Hawthorne Race Course begins the weekend with a 12-race card featuring two and three-year-old fillies looking to get ready for next Saturday's Night of Champions. September 23rd is the time for the best Illinois breds to shine as they compete for over $1,000,000 in purses.

On Thursday night, Casey Leonard led all drivers with two wins and there wasn't a trainer with more than one trip to the winner's circle. In Race 4, Matt Avenatti steered the longshot of the night when Fox Valley Sasha crossed the wire first and paid $69.40. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 payout was boosted by a couple of prices hitting in the sequence as the (9-5-8-3) combination paid $3,425.80. The Jackpot High 5 carryover has ballooned to $159,579.48.

Tonight, my focus is on the 0.50 Late Pick 4. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9
5-Lady's Party-If she has her game face on is a cut above these. Her race to lose.
8-Dandy's Dududidudu-If pace is crazy fast should be rolling late. Steps up, but last 2 have been sharp.

Race 10
3-Delight Fashion-Program chalk can win with the right trip. But doesn't merit strong confidence and will look to others.
4-Bright Future-0-38 but gets post relief and this isn't a field of All-Stars. Anderson's choice may finally win.
5-Alwysbreakinhearts-3rd start off the bench and is another who may finally be ready to take a picture.
8-Lilys Real Boy-Trainer takes the lines but shouldn't hurt. Should like the company, could win at a square price.

Race 11
1-NJ's Go Johnny Go-9-year-old doesn't race or win much these days. Last was better and Oosting's choice over 2 others.
2-Part Time-Has been facing better and from this post Carpenter should work a trip and be in the hunt to the wire.
7-Extravagant Art-Oosting passed but at this level best to not overlook. Did beat NW $3500-4 on 8/4.

Race 12
3-Coal Hanover-Has been facing better and could be striking a pose with a top effort.
4-Best Man Hanover-Would need all the dots to line up but from this post is worth a swing at 10-1 ML.
5-KC Rambuctious Boy-Claimed in last and has been racing well. Fits and will respect connections.
8-Sunset Dreamer-Issue is post and driver seems to know only 1 route. Will be coming late and if not from last has a shot.

0.50 Late Pick 4
5,8/3,4,5,8/1,2,7/3,4,5,8
Total Bet=$48

You can follow me on Twitter @AlCimaglia.