There will be eight Breeders Crown races featured on the Hoosier Park card. The weather is iffy as some rain could hit the area, but hopefully it will hold off. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 12. The sequence has a $40,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

Race 12-Open Mares Pace-Purse $400,000 (10:25 PM EST)

1-Max Contract (3-1)-This mare seemed to be handled cautiously this year and team Miller may have her peaking at the right time. Looked really good last week, Lasix has kicked in, has a 2 for 2 record at HoP and is 3-3 on an off-track. Not loving the post draw but still looks like a major player. Andy Miller needs to get into striking range at the top of the lane and could be sitting on a big race.
8-Grace Hill (2-1) Willing to give this mare a ton of respect and won't let her beat me. Maybe that was a perfectly measured drive by Doug McNair to get up to qualify, or she was just not herself. Did close in .26 but is 0-2 at HoP and the 8-hole won't help. Using and hoping the other 2 with more value are the picture takers.
10-Mikala (10-1)-Finished 2nd to #1 in the Elim and qualified easily in the 1st start since 9-30 at Dayton. George Brennan may land in a close-up seat as the rail horse and #2 have some gate speed. Raced better last week than the line looked and with the right trip could surprise at a big price.

Race 13-3-Year-Old Colts and Geldings Pace-Purse $600,000 (10:54 PM EST)

3-El Rey (8-1)-The Andrew Harris pupil has eaten a lot of Confederate's dust this year and took a picture last week in his 1st start for the new connections. That was 1st time Dexter Dunn and if Rey stays good tonight the owners could get a big chunk of their $525,000 investment back.
4-Confederate (3/5)-This could be the best 3-year-old colt since Somebeachsomewhere. But not sure if the long season of so many huge miles hasn't taken a bit of a toll. It's been reported that the turns caused an issue last week and had a recent cut that might have bothered the Pelling pupil. If he runs his race it will lead to the 10th straight picture but will use a couple of others who are in top form.
5-Coach Stefanos (8-1)-If the chart is correct, and not saying it isn't, last week this Erv Miller trainee closed in 52.1 with a 24.2 last panel to win by >3 lengths. Will need the right set-up but has won 10 of 22 here and the local hope should be a solid price.

Race 14-Open Trot-Purse $600,00 (11:18 PM EST)

2-It's Academic (6-1)-Raced evenly last week but nothing more was needed, and David Miller is an expert at not draining the tank in an Elimination. Should offer a square price, has hit the board in 5 of 6 at HoP with 2 wins, and it's best to not overlook this champion.
3-Southwind Tyrion (5/2)-Another Svanstedt pupil and willing to use here as the post draw should help. Could get a pocket ride behind Logan Park.
5-Logan Park (7/2)-Mohawk invader comes off an impressive win from the 8- hole last week. Doug McNair may look to get on the point and make every call a winning one again.
9-Alrajah One It (8/5)-This 7-year-old has banked over $1.8 million and has made only 6 starts in 2 years. When the veteran comes to the track, he is usually ready to roll. The Svanstedt trainee has 5 wins in 6 races in the past 2 years, and finished 2nd in the other start.

Race 15-Open Pace-Purse $600,000 (11:40 PM EST)

2-Bythemissal (3-1)-Unless the weather comes into play in a big way, and it might, it is difficult to imagine anyone but this Burke trainee or Tattoo Artist winning. Gingras will be rolling from the word go and should be on top or in the pocket. At 3-1 is well worth a use and does good work on an off track (5-4-1-0) plus has won 2 of 3 at HoP.
3-Tattoo Artist (1-1)-The Ian Moore trainee has been exceptional, having won all 7 starts since joining this barn in late August. Can take a picture getting on the point or coming off cover. This should be a great battle between 2 top pacers.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,8,10/3,4,5/2,3,5,9/2,3
Total Bet=$36

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