Hawthorne Race Course begins the weekend with co-features in Race 2 and Race 5, each having an $8,000 purse. The main events will showcase pacers taking part in two legs of a $12,500 claiming series. The Late 0.50 Pick 4 sequence rolls in Race 9 and has a $15,000 guaranteed pool.

The temperature in Chicago on Thursday was unseasonably warm but then dropped over 30 degrees. At this time of year a big problem for a race track's maintenance crew is a thaw and freeze. The moisture comes out of the track and then it's only a matter of time until the temperature drops. It's difficult to keep a track together when that happens. So it's probably a good idea to watch how the bias is in the first few races tonight as the cold weather is back. The same thing also happened yesterday at Woodbine.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9
1-Sharkfire-Taking a swing Simmons has 4-year-old ready and was Oosting's pick at 20-1 in ML.
3-Heartland Revenue-1st start wasn't bad and with the right trip should be in the hunt.
6-Herehecomesarockin-In good form and squeaks into this condition, should be a major player.
9-My Friskie Boy-Raced well versus tougher, has gate speed and post will help the price.

Race 10
1-Bettormeboy-Drops after a rough trip, Bates steers and he has been going well.
3-Doc's Zippy-9-year-old needed last, may catch a trip and use one big brush to roll by.
6-We Rob Banks-Needed last, was T. Warren's choice over #1 & #2, best to respect chances.

Race 11
1-Slzburgerslzburger-Drops after a needed race and should like the company.
2-Mystical Rock-Beaten favorite should be in the hunt as Oosting can keep ML chalk in striking position.
8-Moonwriter-Post doesn't help but is good enough to win from the outside on drop.

Race 12
5-E R Michael-Raced the last half in 57.2 and now drops. Needs a good trip to take a picture.
7-Twin B Sportsman-Decent Qual. at MVR on 1-3, company suits and should be a square price.
8-Jaded Truth-Got off the wings aggressively in 1st start since 11/11, will use at 25-1 in the ML.

Late 0.50 Pick 4
1,3,6,9/1,3,6/1,2,8/5,7,8
Total Bet=$54

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