Hawthorne Race Course concludes its first weekend of a meet which runs through September 24 with an 11-race card. A 0.50 Pick 5 kicks things off, and in Race 3 the Early 0.50 Pick 4 rolls. The Late 0.50 Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 8 and has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, it will be my focus.

Last night the driver with the hottest hands was Casey Leonard with five wins. Trainer Jamaica Patton led all conditioners with two trips to the winner's circle.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8
3-Better Bangbang-Speedy sort looks like a major player and Roberts barn has started off well.
8-Mr McDreamy-Todd Warren in to steer, can take a picture if ready for season debut.
9-Captain Rhett-Hasn't raced since 4/5 at NFLD, but that's more recent than many, worth a swing at 9/2 in the ML.

Race 9
2-Mocking Robin-Raced well here in the fall and could be ready to go at first asking.
4-Cowgirl Too-Comes off 2 nice qualifiers and Leonard's choice, looks like a player.
6-Fox Valley Charliz-Also comes off 2 qualifiers in Springfield, camera shy but will respect chances.

Race 10
3-Cheekie-Has been facing better at Hoosier and could enjoy the company.
7-Dali Treasure-Program chalk also has been facing better and has had success at Hawthorne in the past.
9-Swinging Jenny-Looking for a price and Sheehan has been doing well, in from PPK and has gate speed.

Race 11
1-Bootleg Island-So-so qualifiers at Springfield but will respect the connections.
4-Talk About It-Curtin's choice is 4 of 7 in the money at Hawthorne and fits with this crew.
10-Frontier Frank-Not crazy about the 2-1 ML from out here but had 2 qualifiers and looks to be a threat tonight.

0.50 Late Pick 4
3,8,9/2,4,6/3,7,9/1,4,10
Total Bet=$40.50

Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.