Hawthorne Racecourse has a 16-race card scheduled for this evening. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 13. That sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

The driver with the hottest hands on Saturday was Kyle Wilfong with five trips to the winner's circle. Conditioners Mike Brink, Steve Searle and Brett Wilfong led the trainers with two pictures each.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 13

2-Like A Captain (5/2)-Beaten chalk flattened out down the lane on 8/16. Seems to have turned the corner after a sick scratch on 7/19. Will look for more improvement for Team Wilfong in a wide-open affair.
4-Master Ken (4-1)-Team Leonard pupil is 1-8 and is a tough one to figure. Will use from this post, did pace the 2nd half in 55.3 coming home in 27.3 and the trip wasn't great. Like #2, will look for upswing to continue.
7-Incredible Bombay (12-1)-Was off almost the entire month of July and seems more determined in last 2 starts. Went a long mile in last start and did keep coming. Should offer a nice return and Warren may work a more efficient trip.
8-Da Peoples Panther (3-1)-Makes 2nd start for new barn and stayed on stride in last to finish 2nd by a noise. That was by far the best of 3 starts and was used a couple of times. Paced in 1.55 so could be over bet and it remains to be seen if minds manners again.
9-Heartland Dandy (15-1)-Makes 1st start after a sharp qualifier in 1.54.3 and raced close to the lead throughout. Post draw doesn't help chances but will improve the price. Will take a swing with a fresh horse who could surprise versus this crew.

Race 14

4-All Profit (9-1)-One of 2 Brink trainees (4-7) and this 3-year-old steps up after a nice win in a NW2. Will use here and leave the program chalk #9 off my ticket. Will look for more value as the morning line choice looks vulnerable.
7-Pick Me Upper (12-1)-Broke maiden in 5th try and had suffered from breaking issues but hopples appeared to help in last. Drew off by 9-lengths and was wrapped up. Maybe there is more in the tank and should be a solid price.
8-Rockyroad Aldo (7/2)-Drops out of straight Opens and lands in a spot to shine. Although this post will make it more of a challenge, 4-year-old looks like the one to beat.

Race 15

2-Pootie Cat (5-1)-Finished 3rd to #8 last week starting from post 7 and taking the long way around. Now gets the post edge and that should make some difference. Camera-shy filly is only 2-20 lifetime and 1-13 here, but should be in the hunt throughout.
8-Cassie Marie's T T (5/2)-Drew off by almost 4 lengths last week at this class from post 4 at odds of 1-2. This post draw will make it more difficult but did beat 6 from this crew in last. A major player with a smooth journey and should be bet hard again.

Race 16

1-Rollin Coal (6-1)-Often disappoints, whether it is a questionable drive or just lacking the will to cross the wire first. But this appears to be a simple recipe. If #2 is bet down Wilfong may look to get the top early. In that case Franco could get a 2-hole ride and be able to rally late.
2-It's Time For Fun (5/2)-Went off at 2/5 last week versus better and broke while following a 21-1 shot around the last turn. The longshot seemed to stall and Wilfong had a lot of horse and couldn't check him. Drops here and will probably look to get the top sooner. Usually minds manners but will likely be bet hard and offer little value.

0.50 Late Pick 4

2,4,7,8,9/4,7,8/2,8/1,2
Total Bet=$30

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