Hawthorne Racecourse has a compact 8-race card scheduled with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 5. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5

1-Illustrate (7-1)-This mare starts slow and likes to grind its way around. Did pace a .57 last half on 2-26 and the fractions could be more lively tonight.
3-Lady In Fashion (5/2)-Ships back from MVR and Seekman steers. Has good speed and could be forwardly placed. Is 0-4 at Haw but has finished 2nd three times and should be in the hunt with this post draw.
5-Dilly Dilly Time (2-1)-Drew off by 4 in last to beat this kind. Team Leonard entry can stay good for another.

Race 6

4-Intoview (9/2)-This is the 4th start in the Finn barn for this 11-year-old and had excuses in the last 2 races. Will take a swing here in a race without a standout.
5-Rosey Time (5/2)-Has been close in the last 3 starts and figures to be in the mix. Using but not embracing the short price.
7-Finleys Filly (7/2)-Recent form has been dull but this is a soft spot. Leonard should be more aggressive versus this crew.

Race 7

7-Rollin Coal (6-1)-This mare can win with a top effort and a sharp steer. The price should be right and there should be an honest pace. Franco needs to be in striking range as this 7-year-old can roll late in a big way.
10-Maggie Rhee (9/2)-Has been an odds-on choice in the last 2 and has burned money. Made a rare break in last but comes right back. Warren owns, trains, and drives so will trust this mare will be ready to go and the price should be much better tonight.

Race 8

5-Fox Valley Bristol (3-1)-Has raced well in both Haw starts and comes off a win from post 8. Likes the Stickney oval and has hit the board in 10 of 17 with 4 pictures.
7-Ideal's Nicole (6-1)-Comes off a sharp score versus this kind and Bates takes a seat looking for another win. Looks like a main player with a fair trip.
9-Fox Valley Lolo (9/2)-Lost to #7 in last after taking the lead down the lane. The price will be better than 3/2 this time and Leonard should be rolling late.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,3,5/4,5,7/7,10/5,7,9
Total Bet=$27

Check me out on Twitter!