Hawthorne Racecourse has 13-races ready to roll with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 set to begin in Race 10. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout and it will be my focus.

The driver with the hottest hands on Saturday was Casey Leonard with five trips to the winner's circle. The top conditioner on the card was Derek Burklund with two wins.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 10

2-Spicy Lil Hope (2-1) -Program chalk has hit the board in 3 of 10 starts all of which were at Haw. Barn still isn't rolling but has enough ability to beat this crew. Husted needs to be close to the lead turning for the wire.
6-Dancin Eyes (7/2) -Last outing was the best at Haw this year and if upswing continues it could be time for a picture.
9-Pootie Cat (5/2) -Could finally graduate, Oosting needs to work the right trip and has been facing stiffer competition. This will be the 9th race at Haw and has placed once and finished 3rd five times.

Race 11

3-Hello Art (9/2)-Made a trip to the winner's circle on 6/13 at 52-1 and hasn't started since. Offers some value at the ML odds if ready to roll. Has hit the board in 5 of 7 starts in Stickney.
5-Crookshanks (15-1)-Looking for a price. From this post Wilfong can hang around and look to use one move down the lane to surprise.
6-Dirt E Rock (3-1)-Program favorite has won 4 of 6 starts all at Haw. Has been facing better, Warren may look to get on the engine and not look back. The usual plan has been to leave and get the top.
7-Bright Boy (7-1)-Only 1-16 lifetime but is another who can be forwardly placed and take advantage of a ground-saving trip. Can close in a hurry and has a shot to beat this field if Smolin can provide a smooth journey.

Race 12

5-Fancy Creek Jolene (5-1)-Only 1-32 but now drops a couple of levels. Barn is still cold, but this mare has won 8 of 45 starts at Haw. This is not a deep group and it could be the spot to capture a long overdue win.
7-Queens And Tens (4-1)-Makes 3rd start off the bench and faced better here and at HoP on 6/18. Makes 3rd start since the break and will use instead of the ML chalk #1, who is 0-6 at Haw.

Race 13

3-Lilly Von Shtupp (7/2)-Was bet down to 4/5 in last and raced well but not as good the winner who stopped the clock in 152.0. Lilly should get a great trip and might be able to cash the top check tonight.
5-Rollin Coal (5-1)-This 5-year-old has speed but is basically a one-move horse. Gets post relief and from this starting spot Franco should be able to provide a better steer and not empty the tank too soon.
9-Boogie On Down (4-1)-Drops out of Open company and could have her way with this field with a top effort. But hasn't appeared to be on her game since the restart. Wilfong is back and will respect connections.

0.50 Late Pick 4

2,6,9/3,5,6,7/5,7/3,5,9
Total Bet=$36

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