Hawthorne Racecourse wraps up the weekend with a 9-race card. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6. 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 6

4-Jimmy The Duke (25-1)-This 6-year-old seems to break slowly with this pilot and should offer a big price. But if Franco can keep the Duke engaged he could close fastest of all. Needs a good steer, and to be within reach of the leaders turning for the wire.
6-It's A Jk (2-1)-Winner of 2 of 7 this year paced the back half in .56 to miss by a neck. Back in versus the same kind and didn't get a good trip in last. Could be sitting on a wining effort in the 3rd local start.
8-Marvelocity (7/2)-Posted the 1st win in 14 tries this year and showed more determination than usual. Starts outside, faces a couple who are older but should fit well with this group and now drops in for a tag.

Race 7

2-Air Ride (7-1)-This freshman had an even effort but did pace a .56 back half with a 26.3 last quarter. Bender steers tonight, and might be in striking range at the top of the lane at a square price.
8-Control Your Roll (4-1)-Todd Warren owns, trains and drives, will use and fade the program chalk #7 who will be racing for the 5th time since 8-4. The post should help the price as this beaten odd-on favorite has hit the board in 2 of 3 in Stickney and is looking for its 1st picture.

Race 8

3-Lucky Crusader (9/2)-Comes off a 2nd place finish 2 back and won at this class in last. This 13-year-old has only 2 wins in the past 2 years but versus this crew is a threat for an encore.
5-Sirodsdalicrickett (3-1)-Takes a meaningful drop and has recently cashed checks versus better. Needs to be closer to the lead at the head of the stretch, and versus this kind that can happen.

Race 9

2-Barry J (5/2)-Lazarus 2-year-old was in tall cotton in the Jersey Sires stakes and fits much better here. Has been racing from the back in both local starts and has closed nicely. Bender steers tonight and it could be time for a more aggressive try in the 3rd local start.
3-Ccculater (2-1)-Raced well in its debut to finish 2nd and did roll the back half in 56.1 for team Leonard. Stayed on the rail and got shuffled, the trip could be more efficient this time.

0.50 Late Pick 4

4,6,8/2,8/3,5/2,3
Total Bet=$12

Check me out on Twitter!