by Al Cimaglia
February 11, 2024
Hawthorne Racecourse has an 11-race program with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 8. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8 (4:20 PM EST)
4-Playtorock (6-1)-Starts slowly and finishes in a hurry. Has been a bridesmaid in the last 2 starts versus this kind. Fits and should be in the hunt at the wire as long as there is an honest pace.
5-Mr Charisma (7-1)-Recent efforts have been dull when facing Open company but knows how to win in Stickney
(8-3-1-0). Drops to the level of its last win and is well worth a swing at the morning line price.
6-Fox Valley Steeler (9-1)-This Simmons trainee has had excuses but will need a top try to win at this level. Looking for a price to start this sequence and with Casey Leonard taking the controls tonight this 4-year-old could surprise.
Race 9 (4:40 PM EST)
2-Who'zz This Sky (15-1)-This 3-year-old and the one below made interference breaks at the start last week. Oddly enough the problem was caused because a possum decided to run across the track as the field approached. Raced well considering and will use the price shot with an inside post draw.
4-Telstar (4-1)-Went off-stride and was 8-lengths back at the 1st call. Came off cover and rallied with a nice drive by Kyle Wilfong to finish a tight 3rd. Beaten even money chalk could make amends.
10-Cash With Joe (5-1)-Willing to fade the program chalk #6 and will use Mike Oosting on this dropper who raced gamely last time. Started from post 9 and missed by a neck. Gets no reprieve from a bad post but might be sharp enough to overcome the outside draw.
Race 10 (5:00 PM EST)
1-Double Parked (9/2)-Drew the rail and missed by a neck last week. Comes back, drops in for a tag again and gets rewarded with the same post. Wilfong should follow the same plan and work a cozy trip. Using but expecting the price will be lower than the morning line.
2-Street Boy (9-1)-Should be worth a play at 9-1 with this post draw even though bumping up. Brandon Bates has one move to use. Could get a suck around trip and then look to roll late.
6-Fox Valley Ozzy (4-1)-Comes off a couple of bumpy trips and that could be an issue again. Should offer a square price and will hope Gary Rath can work a smooth journey. This is probably the last time for quite a while that the Illinois bred could take a picture.
9-Josie Rocksmyworld (12-1)-Interesting this Illinois bred waited to the end of the meet to race without hopples. Has cashed checks at this level recently and will look for improvement at a price.
Race 11 (5:20 PM EST)
1-Allegheny Hanover (3-1)-Todd Warren steers again after leaving from the same post and winning. Should relish the company and will look for the pilot to follow the same plan at a short price.
5-Silverstone (6-1)-Steps-up after winning 2 of the last 3 starts and shouldn't be out of place tonight. Could offer some value and Wilfong can have in striking range at the top of the lane.
0.50 Late Pick 4
4,5,6/2,4,10/1,2,6,9/1,5
Total Bet=$36
Check me out on Twitter!