For the first time this meet Hawthorne will have a $15,000 guaranteed pool on a Friday night for the Late .50 Pick 4. The sequence will begin in Race 9. The feature event will come in Race 8, and Open Pace for 4 and 5 year olds with a $12,500 purse.

My posted ticket for Mohawk's Late Pick 4 for Thursday was a dud and failed to connect in any leg. Fortunately, that doesn't happen very often and the winning combo of 10-6-6-6 paid a very healthy $4,498 on a .20 bet.

Last night at Hawthorne, leading driver Casey Leonard continued his dominance with a five-win performance on the 10 race card.

Tonight, my focus will be on the Late .50 Pick 4 sequence. Comments and selections below will be based on a fast track.

Race 9
1-Fox Valley Pipa-Having a rough '17, finding ways to lose. This is the bottom rung condition, now or never from rail.
6-Whirlwindiplomacy-One move horse needs a trip and has the driver in Leonard to provide a good steer.
7-SGT Grit-Concerned a bit about missing a start. But if ready this 8-year-old can roll by foes down the lane.

Race 10
1-Smoke Rings-Fits and Shehan drives for 1st time. If he can provide a good trip, could sweep by at a nice price.
2-Extravagant Art-Gets some needed post relief and Oosting will keep in the hunt. Camera shy but can't overlook.
5-Pancetta-Drops after a sick scratch and finds a field to beat if ready for a big try.
6-Southwind Indy-Came from out East and had a rough trip in 1st start. Journey should be smoother with Leonard in bike.
9-Buddy's Hope-Lackey might get some nice cover to work with and if so could surprise at a square price in an open race.

Race 11
2-Caffeine Kid-Steps up after 2 nice starts on lasix. From this post has a good chance to knock off #8.
8-Achilles Blue Chip-ML 9/5 shot drops to a much better level for success. But has had trouble finishing off miles.

Race 12
6-He Gone Jack-Warren can put 4 yr old on engine or just behind #9. Needs a big effort to win but price should be juicy.
9-Major Bliss-5 for 5 at Hawthorne and all were convincing. Will need a good steer from out here, but best to not overlook.

.50 Pick 4
1,6,7/1,2,5,6,9/2,8/6,9
Total bet=$30

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