The weekend's harness action at Hawthorne Race Course begins with a ten-race card which includes a Late Pick 4 with a $15,000 guaranteed pool. Race 7 is the feature, an Open II Pace with an $11,000 purse which also starts the Late 0.50 Pick 4 sequence.

On Thursday, drivers named Kyle had the most success. Pilots Kyle Husted and Kyle Wilfong each made two visits to the winner's circle. It was Husted who steered the longshot of the night in Race 3 when Fox Valley Brutus paid $46.20 to win. The horse coming second was a 1/2 shot named Lambo who was driven by Wilfong. To complete the card the Late Pick 4 paid a hefty $4,053.75 on a 0.50 bet.

This evening my focus will be on the Late Pick 4 as comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7
1-Tookadiveoffdipper-3-year-old has been ultra-sharp this season and is the one to beat even though facing older.
4-Hash-Tag Swag-Steps up after 3 impressive wins, last in 1:50.4 at HoP. Only issue, has been off since 8/11.
8-Mystical Walter-Leonard's choice over 3 others and if pace is super quick, Walt will be rolling late.

Race 8
2-Delight Fashion-3-1 lukewarm ML chalk should be respected but not a standout and recent form has been dull.
3-Buff's Image-In last outing beat #3 and placed at 76-1. 0-18 in 2017 but best to not dismiss.
4-Bowedfortyova-Trying hard to get 1st win of year but needs a trip and good cover flow.
5-Uncle Bud-Fits versus this company and Husted should keep in striking position. Could pop at a nice price.

Race 9
1-Western Devil-From this post could race up close to the lead and rally late, will use at a 7-1 ML.
2-Fox Valley Sparty-Taking a swing with this grinder and thinking pace could be quick enough to catch leaders near the wire.
6-Tiny Jim-Takes a small step up but racing well and will respect connections for a chance to win 2nd straight.

Race 10
5-Luke's Rocketman-Had been facing straight $8k claimers, now gets post relief and may have found a field to beat.
6-Atomic Art-Not a lot of speed to the inside and may get the top without much strain, if so should be tough.
8-Billabong Beach-Has been facing better at HoP and if Carpenter provides a good steer could surprise at a price.

0.50 Late Pick 4
1,4,8/2,3,4,5/1,2,6/5,6,8
Total Bet=$54

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