Hawthorne Racecourse begins 2024 with an 8-race card. The 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 5. 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 5 (8:30 PM CST)

5-Key Ingredient (5/2)-Team Leonard entry has raced well in 5 of the last 6 and posted 2 wins during that span. Came off a win, then was stuck with post 10 last week in the fog and was 12 lengths back at the half pole. Sizzled the back half in 54.3 with a 26.2 last panel to finish 3rd. Beat 5 from this group last week and the 2 that finished ahead aren't in the mix. Looks solid with a smooth journey.

Race 6 (8:50 PM CST)

5-Annas Lucky Star (7/2)-Steps-up after 2 straight wins and knows how to take pictures at Haw (82-41-19-7). Can get the job done against this field and starting inside of the morning line chalk could be a winning difference.
6-Talk About Valor (8-1)-Makes the 1st start off the bench and has shown the ability to win at this class in the past. Has been off since 11-6, the qualifier at Haw on 12-17 was okay. Will use a fresh horse who could pay a handsome price if fires hot off the bench.
8-Perlucky (9/5)-Has been either 1st or 2nd six times in the last 7 races at this class. Should be a main player but has been off for 3 weeks.

Race 7 (9:10 PM CST)

6-I Understand (8/5)-Beaten chalk makes its 4 start at Haw. May have met a beatable field and hopefully won't be over bet.
7-Ashless Silver Guy (6-1)-Looking for some value and could surprise if Brandon Bates leaves and races near the top of the stack. The start will be key, could be a suck-around candidate and might be overlooked.

Race 8 (9:30 PM CST)

1-Lous Adonis (9/2)-Comes off a strong effort versus this kind on 12-18 after a sick scratch. Mike Oosting sticks and the camera shy 5-year-old should be a main player.
6-Its Swan Time (7-1)-Broke at the start, lost all chance last time and some money showed despite having the 8-hole. Bates sticks and gets post relief. Will look for the 4-year-old to be rolling late and to reward backers at a solid price.

$1.00 Late Pick 4

5/5,6,8/6,7/1,6
Total Bet=$12

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