The Friday card at Hawthorne Racecourse features elimination races for the Saturday, September 19th Night of Champions. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 begins in Race 9. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9

3-Maximus (3-1)-Beaten favorite in last 3 could be dismissed as a follower but may have enough in the tank to make amends. All but 2 make the final and this guy could get the deck thrown at him and trip out to take a picture.
4-Fox Valley Hijinx (5-1)-Steps up after an advantageous trip to beat easier. Winner in 3 of 12 this year can pass foes down the lane. Could get overlooked at the windows and should offer a nice price.
5-Royalle Big Guy (4-1)-1st local start was fine and now makes 2nd try for the Johnson barn. Leonard is back aboard and here is another who can't be counted out in a race without a standout.
7-Youmakemyheartsing (5-1)-Just missed as an odds-on chalk, was impeded at the start from the 8-hole. Team Wilfong should have this 5-year ready but will need a trip. Usually best when is on the lead at the top of the lane.

Race 10

1-Princess Mooss (3-1)-This filly comes off 2 dull races but has a post edge over #7 who finished a couple of lengths better in last. The winner of last 2 races is out of this contest so will respect chances of a better finish.
6-Clearly The Bomb (15-1)-Hasn't shown the speed of some others yet but comes off a nice effort to take a picture. This will be tougher but Husted provided a perfect steer in last and price will be right if same happens tonight.
7-Bootsy Bombay (3-1)-Has raced from the back and has been trip dependent hitting the board in 4 of 8 with one win. Maybe, tonight is the time Seekman will a try a more aggressive steer to capture 1st Haw win.

Race 11

2-Hot Rod Dylan (4-1)-0-12 in 2020 but drops to a spot to shine. Should be put into play with a better steer as Wilfong returns. Looks like a major player and could benefit from an inside post draw.
4-Trashytonguetalker (7/2)-Nosed out in last in what was the best effort in a couple of months. Should be in the hunt with this crew.
6-Jersey Jim (4-1)-Has been close versus better and now tries Lasix for the 2nd time. Had a tough trip in last and fits better with this group. Looking for a big try at a square price.

Race 12

4-Lousraptor (7/2)-Drew off with a 56.2 back half to win by 3 lengths and paid a nice 7-1 price. The value won't be the same here but has been consistent and deserves respect for an encore.
8-Annas Lucky Star (3/2)-Was 10-lengths back at the half, which was too big of a hurdle to overcome and lost for the 1st time in 5 tries. Looking for rebound tonight and should be much closer to the lead throughout.

My Ticket

Race 9) 3,4,5,7

Race 10) 1,6,7

Race 11) 2,4,6

Race 12) 4,8

Total Ticket Cost) = $36 for $0.50

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