by Al Cimaglia
August 5, 2018
Hawthorne wraps up the weekend with a 10-race card which features a Late Pick 4 with a $30,000 guaranteed pool. Last night, driver Travis Seekman led the pilots with three winners. Trainer Ronnie Roberts was the top conditioner with two trips to the winner's circle. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 7 and it will be my focus.
There was something for everyone on Saturday at the Big M. Congratulations go out to the connections of the lone filly Atlanta, who after fading in a Hambo elimination race, won in convincing fashion in the Final. Full marks go out to driver Scott Zeron who stole the race with a 29 second 2nd quarter. If anyone boxed all three highlighted horses in an exacta in each stake race it would have been a nice afternoon. The 3-5 exacta hit in Race 7 and paid $332 as Grand Teton placed and went off at 60-1.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 7
1-Mister McSkinny - Last race wasn't bad, was used early and came the last 1/2 in 57.3.
4-Scrappy Kiwi - Steps up after breaking as chalk in last, has speed and will pass others in the lane.
6-Major Attribute - Game youngster who has been handled conservatively, could be sitting on a big try.
Race 8
3-Betziesbookinit - Was facing better at HoP, now back and raced well earlier this meet with Leonard.
5-Slippery Noodle - Has enough speed to win so will consider in a soft field, but this is a negative driver change.
Race 9
4-I See Success - Leonard returns tonight, and this isn't a deep field.
5-MG'S Heartbraker - This mare should be a major player and gets post relief, best to consider in this spot.
Race 10
1-Dune On Time - Bates takes a seat and this mare is in fine form, should be rolling late once again.
4-Mocking Robin - Won last 2 handily and still fits in the same class.
7-Model - Was staked at HoP and is taking on older tonight but best to respect, has a 1:53.3 mark this year.
0.50 Late Pick 4
1,4,6/3,5/4,5/1,4,7
Total Bet=$18
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia