Hawthorne Racecourse has a 12-race Night of Champions card which will showcase top two-and three-year-old Illinois bred pacers and trotters. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and starts in Race 9. The sequence is comprised of stakes with purses totaling $598,000, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9 (9:50 PM EST)

4-Lous Private Eye (7/2)-This race could set-up nicely for someone coming off cover and that is Lou's game. The program chalk #2-El Champee'onn (5/2) will likely take control early on. My play will be to fade the morning line favorite being able to wire this field.
5-Fireballs Pride (6-1)-Kyle Wilfong probably needs to be more aggressive at the start and he could be racing near the top of the stack. Then he can use a well-timed move to be there at the wire at a solid price.
9-Tru Cash (7/2)-The post makes the price because from the inside this would be my favorite. Can race near the top or come off a helmet. Last time, wasn't driven aggressively off the gate which was probably by design and came 2nd to #4. This time Erv Miller's top call driver here, Atlee Bender gets the call, and the freshman could win with a sharp steer.

Race 10 (10:10 PM Est)

1-Fox Valley Julian (4-1)-This is a competitive race and Casey Leonard may make the most of drawing the rail. The Mike Brink trainee hasn't been quite as sharp in the last 2 starts. But will look for a big try tonight at a square price off an efficient trip.
2-Gorgeous Big Boy (5/2)-The Erv Miller pupil has been great in all 3 Stickney starts. This race probably goes through Big Boy, and he could be set to run his best race.
6-Fox Valley Durham (2-1)-Cordarius Stewart steers the other Erv Miller entry who has won 5 of 8 and 3 of 4 starts at Haw. This 2-year-old looks the part and should be a major player with a smooth trip.
8-Guitar Man (5-1)-Beaten chalk was raced from the back last week, my guess is that was the plan. Should be a price with this post draw. If Kyle Husted can work a trip to be closer to the leaders off the gate things could get interesting. Can come with one big brush, and the fractions should be lively.

Race 11 (10:30 PM EST)

1-Fox Valley Tasha (8-1)-This filly has faltered since a sick scratch on 9-17 but before that just missed from post 7 twice. Cordarius Stewart, who has done well in the past, is between the pipes again. Could get sucked around and win at a big number if 100% healthy.
3-Fox Valley Sadie (3-1)-Has been successful grinding its way around and now finally draws inside. One of 2 (3-5) from team Husted should be a main player and has a nose for the wire.
5-Chickabell (2-1)-Todd Warren knows how to win these races and he gets a very live catch drive. My feeling is the pedal will be down and could take control off the gate. Has good speed, and would be tough to collar if steals a quarter.
6-Hipeyourbestieup (6-1)-Wired the field last week coming off a sick scratch. The Jamica Patton pupil is a nice filly that can fly under the radar. Travis Seekman sticks, is undefeated in 2 Haw starts, and with a sharp steer could reward backers with a juicy price.

Race 12 (10:50 PM EST)

8-My Daddy's Revenge (2-1)-This should be a 2-horse race betwen the program chalk Fox Valley Leah and my selection. Leah has been great, and should be right there at the wire again. She did win when the two raced at Springfield when Mike Brink steered. My lean will be here, offers more value, starts right next door to Leah and should be racing close to her when the wings fold. Last week's effort was a big one, came first over for a long way and was parked from the 1/2 pole on. Came 3-wide down the lane and won convincingly. Casey Leonard gets the assignment, which shouldn't hurt and should be in striking range at the top of the lane.

0.50 Late Pick 4

4,5,9/1,2,6,8/1,3,5,6/8
Total Bet=$24

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