Hoosier Park starts the weekend with a big 15-race card. The headliners roll in Race 9-The Jim Doherty Memorial Trot for 2-year-old-fillies, and in Race 11-The Peter Haughton Memorial Trot for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 12, it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a low 12% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)

2-Siesta Sandman (7/5)-Winner of 3 races in the last 4 and 2 straight, appears to be a cut above this group. Trace Tetrick will be out and rolling as soon as the wings fold. Will use one other in case it doesn't get his way on the lead this time. The race should go through the Tyler George pupil, the only concern is being able to win if wiring the field isn't going to happen.
4-High Speed Swan (3-1)-If the morning line choice is to be denied, it will likely be because a stalker was able to roll by down the lane. The Erv Miller trainee made a rare break in last but still finished 3rd and will assume that was a one-off. Atlee Bender should be well positioned, in striking range turning for the wire, and may offer some value.

Race 13 (10:06 PM EDT)

2-Swan Jewel (6-1)-Hasn't been able to beat the top fillies so far but did get its 1st win on Lasix last time. The game plan will be to fade the morning line chalk #8 Fifty To Win (7/5). Will look for a price, Bender should be able to work an efficient trip and this gal could be just starting to get good.
3-Better Tak'em (2-1)-Tried to wire the last field and was beaten by the one above who came out of the pocket to win. Lost by a neck last time and has beaten better at HoP this summer. Hopefully won't be over bet and certainly could bounce back.
7-Bluebied Lola (10-1)-This is another swing at getting a winner that could be overlooked and has been improving. Does take on better and this will be a test. It is the 3rd start for Ron Burke and has raced well in the last 2 efforts. Showed good gate speed in last and stayed flat to come 2nd. Should offer a nice price and could be sitting on a big try.

Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)

2-Fox Valley Kodiak (4-1)-Came away 3rd in last and rallied to come 2nd, beaten by the pocket horse. Now faces others who also hit the board. Will look for Kyle Wilfong to get the pocket trip this week and take its turn in the winner's circle.
7-Rolling Image (3-1)-Raced well in last but faded a bit down the lane and finished 3rd. Went a 26.4 opening quarter and that may have taken its toll. But raced gamely and this time leaves from post 7 rather than post 3. Did close in 26.4 and this race could set up differently. May look to come off cover later in the mile and not burn as much gas to get the lead early on.

Race 15 (10:52 PM EDT)

5-Lucky Jade (4-1)-Came away nicely last time at 11-1 and got on the point. Did relinquish the lead around the opening turn and was jammed up when the leader broke stride and suffered an inference break. Drops back to the level of the last win 2 back and will look a big try in this spot.
9-Rock My Memory (3-1)-Comes off a 4th place finish and like the one above drops to the level of its last win that came 2 back. Has been difficult to beat at this level and this post draw will help the price. Has enough gate speed to get a close-up seat and with a smooth trip should be right there at the wire.

$1 Late Pick 4

2,4/2,3,7/2,7/5,9
Total Bet=$24

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