Hawthorne has an 11-race card set to roll but the biggest news on Sunday in Illinois is the expected passage of a bill to expand legalized gambling and to allow sports betting. The two remaining race tracks, Arlington and Hawthorne, plus horsemen should benefit and finally be rewarded for decades of waiting for this day to come. 

The feature at Hawthorne comes in Race 9, the Violet Trot for 3-year-old fillies with a $45,900 purse. My focus will be on the 0.50 Late Pick 4 sequence which has a $20,000 guaranteed pool. 

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track. 

Race 8 

1-Savatore-Has been coming up short but this is a better spot and could be ready for a top effort in 5th local start. 
3-Major Attribute-Sharp effort off a sick scratch but slow pace hurt, a player at 10-1 in the ML with a good trip. 
5-Heza Real Diamond-Fell short after being used twice, should be in the hunt and barn has been hot. 
6-Cruising Home-Comes off even efforts but new driver may put in striking range for one big move at a square price. 

Race 9 

6-Louzotic-As long as the track is dry and the trip isn't brutal, this gal should be taking another picture. 
10-Heidi High-Post compromises chances but best to not overlook in a 3-year-old trot. 

Race 10 

2-Beamer N Bud-Leonard should keep in play and will be bet but doesn't always put forth a top effort. 
3-Princess Oshie-HoP invader is 0-14 this year but drops into comfortable spot in 3rd start off a sick scratch. 
4-Final Gift-Mare isn't a frequent picture taker but barn has heated up and versus this crew will use at 12-1 in ML. 
5-Just A Friend-Hasn't done well since arriving from Ohio but drops to bottom class and it could be wake-up time. 
8-Fox Valley Sierra-Raced the back half in 55.4 in 1st start off the bench, will take a swing at boxcar odds. 

Race 11 

6-Fox Valley Minka-3-year-old has been very sharp, steps-up and faces older but 2nd ML favorite deserves respect. 
10-Jazzie Babe-7-year-old mare makes 5th LT start and is looking for 4 straight, 9/5 chalk looks the part. 

My Ticket

Race 8) 1,3,5,6

Race 9) 6,10

Race 10) 2,3,4,5,8

Race 11) 6,10

 
Total Ticket Cost) $40 for $0.50

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