by Al Cimaglia
August 16, 2019
Tonight's feature at Hawthorne Racecourse rolls in Race 6, an Open Pace with a $12,000 purse. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The sequence starts with the headliner in Race 6 and will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
7-Rising To The Top-Did the heavy lifting on the engine, almost lasted on a night when the front wasn't the best.
8-Stuckey Dote-Other Leonard entry might be set for a more aggressive try in 3rd start after arriving in Stickney.
10-Fox Valley Gemini-Just missed after being off 2 weeks and the opening half was slow, looking for more tonight.
Race 7
2-Canthelpbutwin-Gets Leonard back and needs a trip but can stick around with this post draw, looks like a player.
5-Lil Orphan Elmer-Rallied off a quick half for a picture and will respect here but thinking this won't be as easy.
8-Shark Control-Got the top when speed wasn't holding, Lackey may work a trip and stay in the hunt at a price.
10-Scary Harry-Loses Leonard but Seekman knows, pace could be quick, 3-time beaten chalk may make amends.
Race 8
4-Starlite Kid-Beaten odds-on chalk in last 2 makes 3rd start in Leonard barn, 7/5 chalk is running out of excuses.
10-Sir Mammo-Drops, can win with a trip and a hot pace, liking change to Ridge Warren and will be a square price.
Race 9
2-Mocking Robin-Off over 2 weeks but drops to bottom level and gets post relief, could be a needed wake-up call.
4-Dumas Gram-2nd time Seekman and his choice over 1 and 6, in a race without much form will respect his pick.
6-Heartland Desire-7/2 ML might be flattering but came close at this level on 7-12 and now Leonard steers.
8-Ghosts And Legends-Drops, last 2 have been better, makes 3rd local start and worth a swing versus this crew.
My Ticket
Race 6) 7,8,9
Race 7) 2,5,8
Race 8) 4,10
Race 9) 2,4,6,8
Total Ticket Cost) $48 for $0.50
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia