by Al Cimaglia
August 4, 2019
The Sunday night Pick 4 sequence at Hawthorne Racecourse begins in Race 5, it has a $30,000 guaranteed pool and will be my focus.
The driver with the hottest hands at the Stickney oval on Saturday was Casey Leonard who had four trips to the winner's circle. Conditioner Terry Leonard led the trainers with two pictures.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 5
2-Shelly On My Mind-Has been racing well, needs a trip but does get post relief and should be in striking range.
6-Danger Strike-Loses Leonard but comes off a big try with a 55.1 last half, Franco can get in her in striking range.
7-Fox Valley Sierra- Team Leonard entry goes for 5 straight, best to respect, has already beaten a few in this crew.
Race 6
2-Youmakemyheartsing-Fits with this bunch, has been burdened with post 10 and Wilfong can put in play early.
3-Salvatore-3/2 in the ML and will offer no value but can make it 2 straight for Team Leonard with a sharp effort.
Race 7
1-Franksnativewestrn-Looking for 5 straight and has beaten most of these, should be a major player again.
2-Thunder Dome-Has a big brush, using at a price and hope Franco can put in play, can add juice to the Pick 4.
8-Peter Dolt-Camera shy but has faced tougher, should relish the company if Lackey works a trip from Post 8.
Race 8
3-Dune Dame-Fresh horse, has tuned up with 3 Fair starts, will use from this post with Leonard between the pipes.
6-Kelly's Kindness-Will toss last and look for a more sensible drive, 2nd ML chalk should be in mix but is only 2-51.
8-Rushing Reba-Last was better but doesn't like to win, not much form in this race so will respect connections.
My Ticket
Race 5) 2,6,7
Race 6) 2,3
Race 7) 1,2,8
Race 8) 3,6,8
Total Ticket Cost) $27
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia