Hawthorne Racecourse has an 11-race program scheduled with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 8. The sequence has a $15,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

1-Ashlee's Joy (5-1)-The water was too deep facing Open company and this should be a wake-up call. Soft spot and is tough to leave out but this mare isn't the most dependable.
2-Eliza Dushku N (12-1)-Tried to play hardball off the gate with #7 in last and hung the mare out before giving up the lead. But Franco didn't forget, and he stayed tight to the rail down the stretch and this gal was locked in. Husted replaces Stewart and should be in the hunt but could be over bet.
3-Tiamogonedancen (4-1)-Ritoff trainee drops out of Opens as well back down to the level of a winning performance on 7-17. Should be ready for another top try.
5-Scorecard Dandy (8/5)-This 4-year-old comes off a trip-out win in a $50,000 Il bred race on 7-16 and has been off since then. Figures to be in the hunt but will look to others with more value.

Race 9

3-Ain't She Special (7-1)-Gets some needed post relief and tries Lasix for the 3rd time. Willing to take a swing for a price and will hope the pilot does his job.
6-Ellis Gray (3-1)-Camera shy 3-year-old appears to be getting better. Might have found a beatable field to take an overdue picture.

Race 10

3-Ideal's Nicole (7-1)-Bates moved her to get on the point into a 26.3 quarter, although wind aided it still took a toll. This is more of a one-move type and with this post draw things could play out for a suck around trip.
5-Wild Rosa (3-1)-Beaten 1/2 chalk was used aggressively from post 8 and finished a close 3rd in a race that saw the leaders fade down the lane. Looking for a different set-up and outcome tonight at a better price.

Race 11

3-Victress's Desire (5/2)-Likes to compete but needs a good steer and Seekman should provide a smoother journey this time. if so, this is a main player.
6-Silvershoe Chixy (5-1)-Caught a great trip but did pace a 56.1 back half with a 27.2 final quarter to seal the deal. Has missed a start but will overlook as Leonard sticks and has been good in both Haw races this meet.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,2,3,5/3,6/3,5/3,6
Total Bet=$16

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