The headliners at Hawthorne Racecourse are two and three-year-old trotters and pacers competing in preparation for the Night of Champions on September 21st. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 7. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

On Thursday the driver with the hottest hands at the Stickney oval was Casey Leonard with three wins. There wasn't a conditioner with more than one win on the 8-race card.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7

1-Maximus-Very consistent and should be heard from again, has been off since 8-15, using and hope ready.
2-Fox Valley Triton-Another chalk that needs to be used, appears to be the one to beat.
9-Meyer On Fire-Post draw puts chances slightly below others but has been too good all summer to dismiss.

Race 8

1-Sleazy Gal-Races well close to the top of the stack and Wilfong should put in play early from the rail.
7-Fox Valley Exploit-8/5 ML choice has been very good versus these, may have to blast out and try to control race.
10-Double Parked-Leading money winner in the field needs a good steer, at 7-1 in the ML could offer good value.

Race 9

3-Late Night Joke-Price shot, last was better, fits here and change to Husted could be beneficial.
6-Rising To The Top-Drops to a spot to shine, there should be no excuses, looks like a player.
7-Parklane Eagle-Drops to a better spot and Plano should improve chances, using instead of the 2-1 ML chalk #8.

Race 10

4-Skyway Boomer-Had been facing better but comes off a sick scratch, should be a player if ready to do battle.
5-Lincolnjames-If 8-year-old is dialed on high he will be tough to beat, can't be sure so will respect but use others.
8-Adventure Bound-11-year-old is similar to above, does have a big positive driver change but is only 1-14 in 2019.

My Ticket

Race 7) 1,2,9

Race 8) 1,7,10

Race 9) 3,6,7

Race 10) 4,5,8

Total Ticket Cost) $40.50 for $0.50

Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia