Hawthorne Racecourse has a 15-race card with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 12. The sequence has a $7,500 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 12 (10:28 PM CST)

1-M's Magic (6-1)-Tried to wire the last field and seemed to get wobbly down the land but it wasn't a bad effort. Finished 3rd but was DQ'd as Brandon Bates couldn't keep the 2-year-old filly in a straight path. Comes right back, so will assume is 100% and could be more effective with a less aggressive drive.
7-Stardust Gram (5/2)-There are not any avid picture takers in this field and this mare is only 1-13 at Haw. Did win here in 154.0 last year. Planning on Kyle Wilfong working a smooth trip and to be in the hunt at the wire.
9-Jeri Sue (7-1)-Won on 11-18 going gate to wire in the 1st race on Lasix and then had excuses. Bumped up, had the 8-hole and didn't make a move. Then scratched injured, and raced from the back in a needed start on 12-18. Will look for a big try tonight, at a good price.

Race 13 (10:46 PM CST)

2-Genie Ina Bottle (12-1)-This 3-year-old makes the 2nd start off a sick scratch and Leonard sticks. Should get a cozy trip and be in the mix at a nice price.
6-Friskie Jolie (9/2)-Looks like a player and fits if isn't far back off the gate as was the case last week. Should relish the company and is worth a play at the morning line price.
7-Senorita Mouse (4-1)-Went the back half in 56.2 to just miss by a neck against this kind. Will look for Bates to find a close-up seat and not be pace compromised this time.

Race 14 (11:04 PM CST)

4-Josie Rocksmyworld (9-1)-Will look for a price in a competitive leg and gets a ++ driver change with Wilfong taking a spin. Could be in line for an efficient trip and then roll by down the lane.
5-Millennial (7/2)-Has been racing well and hasn't sealed the deal but recent winners are not competing in this race. Travis Seekman could take a picture this evening if he gets this veteran near the leaders at the top of the stretch.

Race 15 (11:22 PM CST)

1-Vinny Lou (12-1)-Was a judges scratch on 12-3, has had 2 dull tries since then and now drops. Bates takes the lines in a soft spot to take an overdue picture at a price. Not feeling there is a standout in this field so will look for value.
2-Frankiepark (7-1)-Recent form was dull but woke-up in the last race and came with a competitive effort versus similar. Rallied from the backfield to finish 2nd, the winner was by far the best. But the picture taker isn't in this group, and could surprise if moves forward off of the last start.
4-Bettor Way To Rock (8-1)-Missed a start then came with an even effort and took the long way around. Wilfong sticks, and this camera shy 4-year-old could be in the hunt with some improvement after a race over the track.
6-Get E Up (5/2)-Left from post 7 in last and was in position to win in the stretch but as usual didn't move forward. Comes right back is sequence, last time missed 20 days and will look for better but can't be trusted.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,7,9/2,6,7/4,5/1,2,4,6
Total Bet=$36

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