Hoosier Park has a 14 race post-Thanksgiving card ready to roll. The headliners are 3-year-olds battling in Thanksgiving Classic Stakes action. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 11

4-Bet Mine (10-1)-Wilfong knows this 4-year-old, and with this post draw will likely leave to get a close-up seat. This field is not full of Open 3 winners, the Eaton trainee has speed and will swing for a price. Looking for a sharp steer and to be in striking range turning for the wire.
7-Ike's Painter (4-1)-Got on the engine in the 3rd start for the Rivas barn last week and faded to finish 3rd. The beaten chalk has won versus better and should be racing near the top of the stack again.
8-Rogers Image (3-1)-Comes off an even effort in last but had missed a start and De Long sticks. Likes to stalk and the fractions could be lively, so will look for better.
9-Sawyer's Desire (9/2)-Ohio shipper raced well in his return to Hoosier coming 2nd to a well-meant winner. The post should help this Kreiser trainee provide a good return. Wrenn takes the lines and best to respect, the HoP record is a strong (46-9-7-8).

Race 12

2-Luv Lorelei (6-1)-Put in a flat line last week after missing a start. Breaking stride has been an issue and was handled cautiously coming off a miscue. Should be put in play off the gate at a square price. Looks like a use on top and underneath.
5-Gabbys C Note (3-1)-Winner of over $300,000 hasn't adjusted yet to the larger oval in Anderson. Ohio invader will be driven by Widger, and it is the 1st time a local pilot will steer. Has a post draw edge on the program chalk (9) and the new pilot could make a winning difference.
9-Brickhouse Babe (5/2)-Comes off a nice score after being far back early as the leader broke away from the pack. De Long provided a sharp steer and is a main player versus a similar field. Won for the 1st time this year last week and the post draw helps the price.

Race 13

3-Ponda Warrior (7/5)-Finally drew inside and made the most of starting from the rail. De Long stayed patient and waited for the open stretch to nip #6 near the wire. Looks like the one to beat again.
6-Turasi (3-1)-Got away in great shape despite the post 10 starting slot, took control and almost lasted. Shouldn't have an issue getting the top again and it could boil down to another stretch battle with Ponda for top honors.

Race 14

2-Always A Warrior (7/2)-Doesn't win that often but has taken pictures and cashed checks versus better. Was used hard off the gate and that hurt its chances in the late going. Can be in the hunt again and should appreciate the class relief.
5-Sullenberger (4-1)-After winning 2 straight was stuck with the 8-9 holes in the last 2 and now takes what should be a meaningful drop. Tetrick could work a solid trip from this post and be in position to roll by down the lane for a picture.

0.50 Late Pick 4

4,7,8,9/2,5,9/3,6/2,5
Total Bet=$9.60

Check me out on Twitter!