The Dan Patch Stakes is the signature race of the Hoosier Park meet. It is carded as Race 14 and has a $315,000 purse. There are 5 horses who hold the Hoosier track record of 147.2 for aged pacers. One of the talented record holders is in tonight's field, Little Rocket Man. Unless the track plays slower than usual Bull Dog Hanover could very well set a new record. The Bull Dog has a lifetime mark set this season of 145.4 at the Meadowlands.

My focus will be on the 0.50 Late Pick 4 which starts in Race 12 and has a $20,000 guaranteed pool. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 12

5-Keep Rockin A (7/2)-No chance last time at M1, was taken back into a .26 opening quarter and then had to go 3-wide around stalled cover at the top of the lane. Closed with a sharp .26 final panel but others were rolling too. Should be driven aggressively from the start by Tim Tetrick.
8-Kobe's Gigi (8/5)-Was used a couple of times in the Lady Liberty on Hambo day and lit up the tote board at 51-1. This 4-year-old mare faces some older ladies but it's best to not overlook. Todd McCarthy will be doing the steering once again and has won 9 of 24 at HoP.

Race 13

1-General Dolan (5/2)-Finished 2nd versus 3 from this field in last and had been facing tougher with some success. Not sure Trace Tetrick will look wire this field with a 53.3 opening half tonight but either way the George trainee could be posing.
5-Rockin Speed (2-1)-This 7-year-old made short work of this kind last week and was cashing checks versus Open company. This Essig trainee should be forwardly placed again and looks like a main player.

Race 14

3-Bulldog Hanover (3/5)-There are 5 horses who co-hold the 147.2 HoP record for aged pacers (Sweet Lou, Castle Flight, Lather Up, Little Rocket Man, Cattle Wash). Unless the Bulldog has an off night, that record appears to be in jeopardy.
4-Rockyroad Hanover (9/2)-Beaten chalk in the McKee last weekend did come 2nd after leaving from post 9. Most likely will battle for a runner-up role again but is versatile and fast. TMac should get position off the gate and could be close to Bulldog turning for the wire. If the chalk has an off-night, this could be the picture taker.

Race 15

2-So So Incredible (7/2)-Probably claimed for $20k on 7-22 with an eye on racing in this series. Gets a significant post edge over the 2 that finished ahead last Friday and was also Widger's choice over #4. Could be sitting on a big try.
5-Colin N Down (10-1)-Posted the 1st win of the year and then broke slowly versus this kind in last. Stayed locked in on the rail and finally shook loose and rallied to finish 2nd. Was claimed on 6-29 by the Redmond barn and appears to be getting better.
9-Trashytonguetalker (5-1)-This old-timer can't dial it up like he once did but was feeling good in last. Being stuck with post 10 hurt, was caught behind stalled cover and had to come 3-wide versus a well-meant winner. Dave Miller could work a smoother trip and the fractions should be lively.

0.50 Late Pick 4

5,8/1,5/3,4/2,5,9
Total Bet=$12

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