Hawthorne Race Course kicks-off the weekend with a 10-race card. The co-features are an Open II Pace, each with an $8,800 purse and they roll in Race 3 and Race 4. The 0.50 Pick 5 starts in Race 1 and has a $3,243 carryover which brings about a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 7, it has a $15,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus.

The driver with the hottest hands at Hawthorne on Thursday was Tim Curtin with three winners. Trainer Kelly Chupp led the conditioners with two pictures.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7
3-Four Staces-2-1 ML chalk for Team Leonard is going to be bet hard and isn't the most reliable, but tough to leave out.
5-Twin B TK-Anderson should be able to work a good trip for dropper who holds his own versus $8k claimers.
7-Electric Albert-Curtin's choice, but trainer was just suspended, fits but is more risky tonight.
8-Frass Bluegrass-Last was better and now comes back in only 6 days, worth a swing at 15-1 in the ML.

Race 8
1-Starlite Kid-Camera shy but drops to a better level and should be in the hunt from the rail.
3-Sadiq Hanover-Major player after a sharp win in 1:51.3 in 1st local start and fits well at this class.
5-Northern Angle-Curtin's choice should like the company, may leave to get on the engine and not look back.

Race 9
1-Fox Valley Reggie-Jumps up a couple of levels but has been sharp, may get sucked around and surprise at a nice price.
2-Extravagant Art-Similar to #1, will need some breaks to down #3, but starts inside and should be in the hunt.
3-Tookadiveoffdipper-Got nipped at the wire by #7 in last, but that was in 1st start since 2/11, should be tighter tonight.

Race 10
2-Fox Valley Nemitz-2-1 ML chalk was good in last, but trip got the best of him in the late going, will respect chances tonight.
4-Mr Mcdreamy-Leonard's choice takes a good drop and should enjoy the company.
9-Gold Star Lambeau-Seekman sticks, closed in 55.4 in last but will need live cover, will take a swing at a square price.

0.50 Late Pick 4
3,5,7,8/1,3,5/1,2,3/2,4,9
Total Bet=$54

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