by Al Cimaglia
February 22, 2020
Hawthorne Racecourse has a 13-race card scheduled to start its second week of harness action. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 10 and will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 10
3-Waymore (10-1)-Oosting gets the lines after a tightener out of the 10-hole. This gelding is 10 out of 16 in the money at Haw with 4 wins and raced the back half last week in 56.2. Using and will hope the morning line is correct.
7-Native's Best Bet (3-1)-Steps up after a sharp win versus $6k claimers. This may not be as easy but fits here as well, and best to respect.
9-Mitch Mc Bluegrass (10-1)-Has more wins in 2020 (2) than all of last year. Can race off cover and didn't have smooth trip in last. Warren sticks and this is another price shot worth a swing in a race without a standout.
Race 11
3-Lucky Crusader (7/2)-Oosting's choice over #2 could be significant as he's made a few trips to the winner's circle for the Adam barn. Slow pace hurt in last and looking for a better effort in 2nd local start.
4-Bright Future (5-1)-Raced wide most of the way and kept coming in 1st start for new barn. Now drops to a softer spot and looks like a player. Biggest negative is the 0-40 record in Stickney.
Race 12
2-Uncle Si (7/2)-1st local start was an even effort after arriving from PPk. Should be better tonight and appears to have the best chance of downing #5 if the chalk comes up flat.
5-Panda's Prospect (1-1)-Drops out of Opens and should have no trouble beating this kind but this is only the 2nd start since 11/1. Leonard is back between the pipes and that can only help.
Race 13
1-Boogie On Down (5/2)-Drops to a good spot and should be tighter in 2nd Haw start. Likes the track and Team Wilfong could be ready to roll.
5-Sweetshadyshark (2-1)-Second of 2 qualifiers was fine as this will be the 1st start since 9/24. Does like the track and similar to #1, will be tough if ready to come up with a big try. But has had breaking issues in the fall and in 1st qualifier.
My Ticket
Race 10) 3,7,9
Race 11) 3,4
Race 12) 2,5
Race 13) 1,5
Total Ticket Cost) $12 for 0.50
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