by Al Cimaglia
July 14, 2017
Friday night's Hawthorne card will feature a .50 Late Pick 4 with a $15,000 guaranteed pool. The headline event will come in Race 9, as Illinois bred three-year-old filly pacers battle for a share of a $27,200 purse in the Violet Stakes.
Saturday will be a big night for harness racing. Hawthorne has guaranteed a $500,000 pool for the mandatory payout on the Jackpot Hi-5. Not to be forgotten is a star-studded card at the Meadowlands with the feature being the Crawford Farms Meadowlands Pace for three-year-old pacers. Xpressbet is offering 20X Points at the Meadowlands and Hawthorne Saturday night.
Tonight, my focus will be on the .50 Late Pick 4. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 9
1-Lady's Party-Program chalk has been sharp and last win was impressive. Will be a short price and no missteps allowed.
5-A Real Doozie-No slouch, although hasn't sealed the deal with the #1 or #9 yet. Will respect chance for revenge.
9-Princess Sage-Can win from this post if pace is hot or if finds a good early seat. Post helps value and should be in the hunt.
Race 10
1-Lyons Jimmy Dean-If this guy gets a clean journey he could score at a nice price. Will consider from the inside.
6-Dinky Dune-Sizzled the back half in 55.4 in last and could be sitting on a big try.
7-Skim The Top-Has been facing better and should like this company. Skipped a start and should be bet on drop.
9-Mobile Big John-10-year-old steps up after smoking a 54.1 back half. Leonard needs to work a trip and use one big brush.
Race 11
2-KC Rambuctious Boy-Steps up after crushing $6,000 claimers, same effort can beat this group.
3-Four Starz Kyle-Was driven hard after a 3-week layoff. Has been facing $10,000 claimers and expecting better tonight.
Race 12
3-Feelinlikearockstar-Starts without skipping a week, should be ready. Edge with a favorable post compared to top foes.
8-Sir Mammo-Gets a new pilot and will need a good steer but has a win at this level and is 10-1 in the ML.
9-Account Rollover-Program chalk wins and now steps up. There are question marks as hasn't raced since 6/23.
10-Caffeine Kid-55.1 back half and came 1 length short at this level. Trying hard and needs to be in good striking position.
.50 Pick 4
1,5,9/1,6,7,9/2,3/3,8,9,10
Total bet=$48
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