by Al Cimaglia
September 4, 2020
Hawthorne Racecourse starts the weekend with a 10-race card. The 0.50 late Pick 4 will be my focus. That sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and will start in Race 7.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 7
6-Mr Three Quarters (7/2)-Rolled the back half in 55.4 last week for a win versus $4k claimers. This will be the 3rd local start and has done well at Haw. Best to respect chances tonight although stepping up, was Seekman's choice over the #5, and #8 the other Gilerman entry.
7-Shadyman (5-1)-Won at 10-1 in a drop and pop situation on 8/15 at this class while smoking the 2nd half. But is off for almost 3 weeks so will use and hope is ready for a top try.
8-Impressive Cowboy (7-1)-Here's another who dropped and popped at 75-1. Beat 5 from this field last time and now Ridge Warren takes the lines. Outside post helps the price and likes Haw, winning 6 of 21.
Race 8
1-Fox Valley Triton (2-1)-4-year-old is at a low enough level it should be time for a picture. But has gone off at 2-1 four times since 6/12 and has only won once and that was versus non-winners in 2020. Using but will need one other for support.
9-Lucky Crusader (5-1)-Old timer is trip dependent, one move horse these days. But still has the speed to beat this crew if Husted works a good steer. The start will be important and will use over #3, the 2nd program chalk who has 2 wins in the last 40 starts.
Race 9
2-Not Me Gram (9/2)-This race is about as formless as could be and the entire field has only 18 wins over 2 years.
5-Canadian Mountie (3-1)-4th start on Lasix and in the first 3 the improvement wasn't very noticeable. But did improve a bit when dropped to this class in last. Will respect connections and take a swing with Team Leonard.
10-Fox Valley Lincoln (25-1)-Out of the 18 wins over 2 years for the field this longshot owns 3. This is the 3rd start off a sick scratch and drops to the lowest level of the meet.
Race 10
1-Silverstar's Flash(6-1)-Needs a trip but comes right back after racing Sunday and last 2 are the best efforts since the beginning of June. Should be a square price, has hit the board in 4 of 10 Haw starts and has 2 wins.
2-Western Perch (8/5)-Makes 2nd start on Lasix and should like the company. Trainer usually sends them out ready and Wilfong can work an up-close trip.
6-One R Two (6-1)-Continues to stay in fine form. Loses Wilfong but Ridge Warren has steered in the past. Has hit the board in 9 of 13 in Stickney with 3 wins and should be a fair price.
My Ticket
Race 7) 6,7,8
Race 8) 1,9
Race 9) 2,5,10
Race 10) 1,2,6
Total Ticket Cost) = $27 for $0.50
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