It was an interesting Saturday night at Hawthorne Racecourse as there were a number of big prices. The upsets have caused carryovers in the Early and Late Pick 4's as well as the Pick 5. The Late Pick 4 has been assigned a $40,000 guaranteed pool and the Pick 5 has a $100,000 guaranteed pool. My focus is on the 0.50 Pick 5 and it appears to be another big challenge.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 1

1-Fox Valley Charliz (9/2)-Couldn't make up any ground in last but did race the 2nd half in .57 and now drops down to face easier. Shouldn't blush at the company and looks to be a square price.
4-Hard Headed Woman (2-1)-Program chalk steps down and should be a player versus this crew. Appears to have a good chance of snagging a win but is only 3 for 37 at Haw and has only 3 wins in last 41 starts.

Race 2

2-Brienne The Beauty (9/2)-Beaten favorite came up short. Now camera-shy mare is in a spot to get sucked around and could rally late.
3-KZ Kool Desire (7-1)-Only 1-24 at Haw but fits here and did close well last time. Makes 2nd Stickney start and will look for upswing to continue.
4-Roberts New Life (5-1)-Comes off a tough trip but did pace hard to the wire. Best to respect in an open affair and has done well here in the past.
6-Vegas Highroller (4-1)-Was used aggressively in 1st local start and was coming off a 3-week rest. Could be better
in 2nd try for new barn.

Race 3

2-Mamaneedsmorewine (2-1)-Started slowly and rallied nicely in 1st start of the year. Not sure if is 2-1 good but has shown ability to pass horses and finish the mile. Oosting could put in play sooner and make a move down the lane to take a picture.
8-Bluebird Luigi (5-1)-Raced well in 1st start at Haw and that was coming off a scratch. Bates could find some live cover and rally down the lane.

Race 4

1-Rushing Reba (10-1)-Even effort last week in 1st start of the meet and is in a spot to trip out at a nice price.
3-Valar Morghulis (2-1)-Has been bet down in both local starts and has gotten on the engine and faded to finish 2nd. Could be tight enough to make every call a winning one but doesn't offer any value.
5-Tell Marcia (5/2)-Didn't show much vigor in 1st start since 9/27 but will expect better this time. Has won 3 of 6 starts at Haw.
8-Daybreak Girl (20-1)-Raced a quick back half last week and now makes 2nd start of the meet and adds Lasix. Will take a swing at a big price.

Race 5

2-Model (5-1)-Had a nice effort in last and now steps-up but that doesn't mean much as the entire field is doing the same except for #8.
8-Pretty Image (3/2)-Back at the same level after beating Open company in 1st start off the bench. Did skip a start and is stuck outside but should be a major player with a clean trip.

0.50 Pick 5

1,4/2,3,4,6/2,8/1,3,5,8/2,8
Total Bet=$64

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