Hawthorne Racecourse begins the weekend with a compact 8-race card. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 5. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5

1-Allegheny Hanover (3/2)-This 3-year-old is no bargain at 3/2 but there isn't much form in the entire field. Recently cashed a 2nd place check at HoP in a conditioned $18k claimer. Warren should be on top turning for the wire and may need to be as this youngster doesn't like to pass down the lane.
3-Sportsmadness (9-1)-Won at a huge price, then bumped up to this level and finished last. Gets a new driver in Stewart and that change might matter. Could get a suck-around trip and can offer a decent price.

Race 6

2-Millindasfear (7/2)-Hoosier shipper makes its Stickney debut and should relish the company. Warren should have the 3-year-old forwardly placed off the gate.
5-Rags To Riches (7-1)-Stewart takes the lines and he has been hot. Got on the point and faded on 9-15. Should fit with this crew and will look for a different trip and a better finish.
6-Rockin Q (8-1)-Raced from the back in a needed start in its Haw debut. Smolin rolled the 2nd half in 55.1, should be tighter and could be in the hunt at the wire.

Race 7

1-PlaytoRock (8-1)-Didn't get the best of trips or drives last time. Won, but was Dq'd and now Warren takes the lines. Not sure the 8-1 morning line holds up but looks like a main player with a clean trip.
3-Checkme (12-1)-Took some money, left aggressively last week, and danced in the first turn. The 0-10 record is tough to swallow at short odds but should offer a decent price tonight. The best chance for a picture is probably being on top turning for the wire. Has a shot with a good steer.
7-Fox Valley Treason (5-1)-Drops and has enough gate speed to get a good early seat. Looking for Seekman to have the pedal down when the wings fold.

Race 8

1-Frankiepark (3-1)-Frankie has 2 wins in the last 48 tries, and most of this field wins annually. Leonard took the lines last time and the 6-year-old came up with a strong try. Will look for the upswing to continue.
5-Jimmy The Duke (7/2)-This veteran has easily won both of its starts at Haw. He is the one to beat and this field can't be much tougher than the last group.
9-Dash Around (5-1)-This is a competitive level but needs a sharp steer. Husted is back for his 2nd straight appearance and should offer a square price. Could be in the hunt if gets a good seat off the gate.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,3/2,5,6/1,3,7/1,5,9
Total Bet=$27

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