Tonight, at Hawthorne the headliner rolls in Race 3 when 2-year-old Illinois bred colt and gelding trotters battle for a share of a $59,900 purse in the Cardinal Stakes. The other feature events will showcase 2-year-old filly trotters in two divisions of the Violet Stakes which will have a $30,050 purse. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 sequence starts in Race 8, it will have a $30,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus.

At Mohawk last night, out of the six races handicapped the top pick won two and my second choice won three other races.

The driver with the hottest hands at Hawthorne on Saturday was Casey Leonard with two winners. Trainer Frank Petrelli led the conditioners with two pictures.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8
3-Gocubsgo-Steps up but can repeat at a square price if minds manners.
6-Molina-Camera shy for sure but usually in the hunt and will consider versus this bunch.
7-Fox Valley Sinful-Drew off a perfect trip, program chalk looks like a player again.

Race 9
2-Sparkle And Dazzle-Looking for 1st win and this is a spot to break maiden with a nice trip.
3-Betziesbookinit-.57 back half in qualifier and was Leonard's choice, could be ready to win debut.
5-Fox Valley Miranda-0-15 but both starts this year were good tries from outside posts.

Race 10
4-Herecomesmagotta-Not crazy about 8/5 ML being 0-13 but this is a more comfortable spot to shine.
6-Fox Valley Lovejoy-Has learned his lessons at the fairs and had a nice qualifier over this oval, will respect chances.
7-Unimagineable-Tries hard and in a better spot for Wilfong to work a favorable journey.

Race 11
4-Shelly On My Mind-Winner of 2 of 3 in '18, has been sharp and now draws inside, best to respect chances.
5-Shooting Cool-Leonard's choice has a chance to repeat if minds manners and isn't too far back early.
6-Frontier Ginger-Looking for a price and this gal could be set for a big try in 3rd start of the year.
8-Prettyfaceuglyways-Oosting's choice makes 4th start for Trigg, might be ready for 1st win of the year.

0.50 Late Pick 4
3,6,7/2,3,5/4,6,7/4,5,6,8
Total Bet=$54

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