Friday night's card at Hawthorne will feature a $17,500 guaranteed pool in the Early .50 Pick 4 and a $15,000 guaranteed pool in the Late .50 Pick 4. The Early Pick 4 guarantee came about because of a carryover of $5,607.93. Not to be forgotten by any means is the Jackpot Hi-5 carryover which has ballooned to $194,405.43.

On Thursday night the Hawthorne drivers with the hottest hands were Tim Curtin and Mike Oosting, each had two winners. Loralee Johnson led the list of winning trainers with two trips to the winner's circle.

Last night, my Late Pick 4 ticket at Mohawk clicked, albeit for a small mutuel. The longshots came in the Early Pick 4 as the Late .20 Pick 4 (7/4/7/7) paid only $27.25.

Comments and selection below for the Early Pick 4 are based on a fast track.

Race 3
3-My Kind Of Dance-Barn has been cold but this gal had a big 2016. Filly has had excuses, value play if #5-#8 & #9 are off.
5-A Real Doozie-Won last handily after taking lead at the 1/2, from this post has a chance to follow same script.
8-Lady's Party-Program favorite can win with best effort even from the outside starting slot.

Race 4
7-Jingle Bell Rocker-Had a rough trip in 1st start in town for a high % barn. Could be sitting on a big try.
8-R Duneshine-Smolin should know this gelding by now. If he can manufacture a good trip this is a beatable field.
10-Mar Dream-Has been stuck outside in 4 of last 5. Usually tries hard and trainer won a couple of races last night.

Race 5
2-Dakota Roadster-Program chalk takes a drop and gets post relief. Should be a major player.
5-General George-Blistered the back half in 55.3 to win last by passing a bunch of foes in the lane, should be tough.
9-Want Me-Another who drops in search of a win. Could benefit from brisk fractions, should be rolling late.

Race 6
4-Armani Code-Not crazy about the 9/5 ML but should be more comfortable facing this field.
9-You'remyhearthrob -Looks like the speed is there if can mind manners. Price shot is an interesting play.
10-Hart To Heart-Oosting gets the catch drive after this 2 year old had a rough journey in 1st start. Best to not overlook.

.50 Pick 4
3,5,8/7,8,10/2,5,9/4,9,10
Total bet=$40.50

You can follow me on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.