It's the Night of Champions at Hawthorne Racecourse. The top Illinois breds will be competing for a share of over $1,000,000 in purses. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 9. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9

1-He'zzz A Wise Sky (7/5)-If a 100% this is the most likely winner. But comes off a sick scratch on 9-2 so there is some doubt. But has been a monster here versus Open Company and #4 probably won't match-up if this 5-year-old is dialed on high.
4-Fox Valley Gemini (2-1)-Cruised home by 10-lengths versus a couple from this shallow crew last week. This should be a 2-horse race and with a fair trip Gemini can battle for top honors.

Race 10

2-Fox Valley McKee (6-1)-Barely hung on to win last week after having a big lead early but did set a new lifetime mark. It's best to keep in mind that 153.4 is a quick mile for these 2-year-olds. Won't be 9-1 but should offer a solid price and was Wilfong's pick over #5.
3-Mister Sleaze (4-1)-Erv Miller pupil might be peaking at the right time. Comes off 2 sharp efforts and set a lifetime mark in last. Won with a 56.2 back half, Bender takes the lines from Seekman, and he should be racing closer to the lead tonight.
7-Illini Jetset (6-1)-This is the other Miller entry, and he is only 1-9. Warren gets the assignment and with a trip could surprise at a nice price in a competitive affair.

Race 11

1-Rona Mae (2-1)-Rolled home in last to set a new lifetime mark and posted her 4th win in 6 Stickney starts. Should be a main player in what appears to be another 2-horse race which includes 2 Mike Brink entries.
5-My Daddys Revenge (9/5)-Morning line chalk comes off 2 dominant wins and has won 3 of 4 at Hawthorne. Leonard steers this Brink pupil and deserves respect. But not sure she is faster on this surface than #1 and it should be a fine battle.

Race 12

4-Apple Valley (3/2)-Has won 4 of 6 after staying in Illinois full-time and has a sparkling Haw record (11-7-3-0). Likes to race near the top of the stack and Seekman shouldn't have an issue following that plan. What remains to be seen is if #7 can pass this filly down the lane but it won't be easy.
7-Dandy's MNM (7/2)-Paced the back half in 56.2 but couldn't catch #4 last week. Wilfong will probably need to get decent position off the gate and hope the pace is hot enough to bring down the chalk. Could offer some value but is pace dependent.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,4/2,3,7/1,5/4,7
Total Bet=$12

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