Hawthorne kicks-off the weekend with a big 12 race card. The headline event comes in race 2, an Open Pace with a $15,000 purse. The co-feature is in Race 10, an Open III Pace with a $10,000 purse. 

Through June 7th the leading driver at Hawthorne is Casey Leonard who has a 14 win cushion over Michael Oosting. The leading trainer is Frank Petrelli who has eight wins, one more than Nelson Willis who sits in second place. Petrelli has had only 48 starters compared to 59 for Willis. Trainer Darren Tanneyhill has the best winning percentage with six wins in 10 starts. Trainer Angela Coleman also came out ready, with six wins in 15 attempts. 

Tonight, the Late Pick 4 begins in Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track. 

Race 9 
2-Atomic Art-This will be the 4th start at Haw, drops and gets a better post. Team Anderson should be dialed on high. 
3-Buff's Image-Can stay inside from this post and use one big move to sweep by. Could be ready for 1st picture of '17. 
8-Fox Valley Cupid-Trip dependent and a quick pace will help. Needs to be positioned well turning for home. Can roll late. 
10-Luke's Rocketman-Used a 56.2 back half to secure a win from 9 hole in last. Same class, Oosting needs to work a trip. 

Race 10 
2-Dinky Dune-Steps up after 2 wins and a big try from 10 hole. Will need best but value will be there and is very sharp. 
3-Best Man Hanover-Positive driver change and Oosting's choice over #1, may seek cover instead of the engine. 
4-Skim The Top-Another who steps up after a sharp win. 8-time winner in 2016 and may snag 3rd in a row tonight. 
9-Aimo Hanover-This is 3rd start after claim and Leonard steers. If can get to the top easily could pop at a square price. 

Race 11 
2-Uncle Si-Needs to get a a good steer by Sheehan, 4th start since arriving and smoked a 54.2-2nd half in last. 
4-Mississippi Rabbit-1st start of year was an even effort. Expecting more, raced well here in '16 and will respect connections. 
8-He Gone Jack-Program chalk has been coming close. The company suits and should be a major player. 

Race 12 
1-Lyons Levi Lewis-Was a 25k-30k claimer at Hoosier. Had 2 tough trips from the outside here, now has a shot to upset #4. 
4-Mystical Walter-7-year old is racing back into shape and last was very sharp. Looks like the one to beat. 

.50 Late Pick 4 
2,3,8,10/2,3,4,9/2,4,8/1,4 
Total bet=$48 

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