Tonight, a total of seventeen Illinois two-year-old colts and gelding pacers will compete in two divisions of the Cardinal Stakes. The freshman will battle in Race 1 and Race 7 for a share of a $24,100 purse. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 8, it has a $15,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

On Thursday the drivers with the hottest hands at Hawthorne were Tim Curtin and Casey Leonard, each taking two pictures. No trainer on the eight-race card had more than one trip to the winner's circle.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8
1-Tookadiveoffdipper-Makes 1st start of the meet after tuning up in Springfield in 1:53.3, will be tough if tight.
4-Extravagant Art-Even effort in last after missing a start, could be sitting on a big try.
7-Gold Star Lambeau-In from HoP and is fast enough to beat this crew at a square price with a smooth journey.

Race 9
1-Flashy Trick-Hasn't done much in Leonard's barn since claimed on 5/19 but can roll late if there's a hot pace.
2-Uptown Sleaze-Drops and at 25-1 in the ML will take a swing Franco can stay close enough to rally late.
3-Fox Valley Reggie-Program chalk is another who can fly late, and this race could have a quicker pace.
7-Fox Valley Nemitz-Thinking this guy leaves and looks to race up close, then uses one big brush.

Race 10
3-Officernagentleman-10-year-old steps up after a win, best to respect from this post, could make it 2 straight.
5-Shakerattlenrock-Leonard put 9-year-old in great position in last and took a picture, looks solid again.
9-Lilys Real Boy-Fits and racing well, closer could benefit from some early speed.
10-Wildcat Hilton-Similar to #9 and should be rolling late if minds manners.

Race 11
1-Canthelpbutwin-Curtin takes a seat and that should help, often close and may seal the deal from the rail.
3-Four Staces-Team Leonard 7-year-old drops out of $8k claimers. Looks like a drop and pop possibility.

0.50 Late Pick 4
1,4,7/1,2,3,7/3,5,9,10/1,3
Total Bet=$48

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