Hawthorne Racecourse has a 10-race card scheduled with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 7. 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 7 (9:10 PM CST)

1-Admit (8-1)-Saying this is a suspect field is rather complimentary. This group has 6 total wins since the start of 2023 and this 8-year-old has taken 1 picture. But this is a suck-around candidate if Robert Smolin can handle the task. The pilot has 8 wins in 212 races in the past 365 days.
3-Driven The Dixie (7/2)-Comes off an even effort on an wet track on 12-31. Did win the preceding 2 races and looks like the one to beat if doesn't need the start.
7-Stardust Gram (7-1)-Shipped in from HoP, had 2 starts versus better and weakened down the lane. Gets some class relief and a few weeks off may have improved chances of picking up a rare win.

Race 8 (9:30 PM CST)

5-Toodle's Power (5/2)-Will toss last, didn't fire, and starts very slowly so that makes winning a big challenge. Has an
0-32 record since the start of 2023 but will use versus this bunch. Needs to beat only 5 gals and maybe the mare will be up to the challenge.
6-M's Magic (3-1)-Comes off a dull try but did miss a start and consistency is not a strong suit for anyone in this field. Will look for Brandon Bates to race near the top of the stack and take control sooner than later.

Race 9 (9:50 PM CST)

2-Lous Andiamo (2-1)-Drew off with a .57 last half and should be a player again. Hasn't raced since 1-8 so that's cause for pause. But the Searle barn has been clicking and will rely on the 4-year-old being ready.
5-Zena Lou (7/2)-Came back to race after 20 days off and destroyed the NW2 by 8 lengths. This time comes back in sequence and best to respect chances of doubling up.
7-Double Class (3-1)-Comes off a sharp try from post 10 at MVR and fell short by only 1/2 length. Has been off since 1-7 but trainer Ross Leonard didn't ship here for the atmosphere. Looking for a big effort in its Stickney debut.

Race 10 (10:10 PM CST)

1-Superfecta Hanover (10-1)-This is the 4th lifetime start for this 4-year-old and has been racing from the back. Will take a swing at a big price that the inside draw will matter. Kyle Wilfong could get sucked around and did pace the 2nd half in 57.2.
3-Quiet Princess (5/2)-Not loving the short price at all but should race with the leaders. Travis Seekman could work an efficient trip and look to roll by down the lane.
4-Absolutley Real (6-1)-Will toss the break in stride race on 1-5 at Nor. Casey Leonard takes a seat and that should help. Has been competitive in the last 3 starts at Haw and now draws inside.

0.50 Late Pick 4

1,3,7/5,6/2,5,7/1,3,4
Total Bet=$27

Check me out on Twitter!