Hawthorne Racecourse has a 15-race card set to begin at 7:10 CST. The Late Pick 4 starts in Race 12, it has a $25,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

The driver with the hottest hands on Saturday was Casey Leonard with 3 pictures. The leading conditioners, with 2 wins each, were Hector Herrera and Steve Searle.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 12

3-Misscanfly (4-1)-Broke in last at 2-1 but regular pilot returns tonight. Hard to tell when this mare is race ready but is a threat with a top effort.
7-Big Man Forever (3-1)-Searle trainee has been competitive in most starts but has been burned a lot of money. Was an odds-on chalk in last and has a chance to make amends at a better price.
9-Gogo Riches (5-1)-Got on the engine and didn't look back in breaking maiden on 8/29. Team Wilfong entry steps-up and will be tested with this post draw. Can be in the hunt if minds manners and the post makes for a better price.

Race 13

4-Fox Valley Lizzy (12-1)-Makes 4th start on Lasix and Bates sticks after an even effort in last. Looking for a price and Lizzy should get a cozy trip from here.
9-Locked On It (3-1)-Program chalk gets a new pilot as Stewart chooses #5, but that may help chances. My guess is Warren leaves and could get sucked around and use one big move down the lane.
10-Peace Time (7/2)-Had a nice effort from the 10-hole at this class on 8/30 to come 2nd. Wilfong left off the gate and landed in the 2-hole. Maybe he looks to come off cover this time?

Race 14

3-Gamblinforalivin (5-1)-Broke and had a bumpy trip in last start versus better. Gets a new set of hands in Bates and should like the company. Can get a good trip from here and take a picture at a square price.
6-Babyface (4-1)-Won last at Nfld on 2nd try with Lasix. Hasn't won in Stickney (0-12) but has cashed a 2nd place check in last 2 starts here. Could be set for a big try and does fit with this crew.
7-Beat The Devil (5-1)-Makes 3rd consecutive start here and was driven more aggressively in last. This 3-year-old might be getting better and has a shot to finally post a win in 2020.

Race 15

1-Look Kimbo (5/2)-Bet hard and has failed as a big chalk in last 2. This guy finds ways to lose and the drive is not always a help but has battled better. No excuses allowed here but is 0-12 and that merits caution.
4-Spee Dee Shark (4-1)-Dropped and popped in 1st start on Lasix. Steps up but was facing better and this a suspect group. Best to respect as the Shark has banked more cash over the past 2 years than anyone in this field.

My Ticket

Race 12) 3,7,9

Race 13) 4,9,10

Race 14) 3,6,7

Race 15) 1,4

Total Ticket Cost) $27 for $0.50

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