Hawthorne Race Course kicks-off the weekend with an 11-race card and some new guarantees for horizontal bets starting tonight. On Friday and Saturday nights the 0.50 Late Pick 4 guarantee will be raised to $15,000. The guarantee on the Late Pick 4 will now be $30,000 on Sundays. My focus will be on the Late Pick 4 sequence this evening.

On Thursday, once again driver Casey Leonard led all pilots and racked up another four wins. Casey's father, Terry led the conditioners with two trips to the winner's circle.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8
1-Al's Briefs-Should be tighter in 3rd start off bench, will need some breaks but if #6 is off can upset at 7-1 in ML.
6-Backstreet Lawyer-Should be on the engine or in 2 hole, his race to lose after a big win in 1.50.4

Race 9
1-Fox Valley Cupid-7-year-old could get sucked around and with best effort surprise at a square price.
5-Guns An Roses-Needs a trip but can roll late and fits with this bunch.
6-R Duneshine-In form, should enjoy the company and looks like a major player.
7-Shakerattlenrock-3rd start in Leonard barn, may try a different route and come off a helmet.

Race 10
1-Skyway Fireball-Won last from the rail and will respect chances for an encore.
6-Et Tu Brute-Fits but the question mark is the steer, needs a trip but if so could win at a square price.
8-Sagebrush Shocker-Wilfong takes another spin and like others will need to plot a good course.
9-Dumas Gram-12-1 in the ML, makes 2nd start off the bench, likes the track, fits and well worth a swing.

Race 11
2-Flashy Trick-2nd start for Leonard gets post relief and should be a factor throughout.
5-Starlite Kid-Drops after a needed start and could be sitting on a big try at a square price.
6-Fox Valley Reggie-Rolled home in 54.3 and just missed, lukewarm favorite should be respected.

0.50 Pick 4
1,6,/1,5,6,7/1,6,8,9/2,5,6
Total Bet=$48

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