Hawthorne Racecourse completes its first weekend of 2021 with a 12-race card. The feature goes in Race 8, an Open Trot with a $12,000 purse. The headliner from a betting standpoint is the 0.50 Late Pick 4 which starts in Race 9. The challenging sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9

2-Moment To Shine (10-1)-Comes off an even try at HoP on 5-4 and raced from the back. That could serve as a nice tune-up for tonight. Likes to race near the top of the stack and the Warren-Simmons combo could connect at a nice price.
3-Pretty Boy Shooter (12-1)-Price shot qualified at Springfield and went to the half in 56.1 and has 1 win 4 tries here. Stewart could work a stalking trip from this post and save some juice for the final quarter.
4-Reverend Scott (7-1)-Purchased for $8,500 in November and makes its 1st start for a smaller barn. Can pass horses down the lane and the 5-3 qualifier was fine. Should offer a solid price in race that looks like a coin toss.
7-Alwaysshowfaith (4-1)-Was only 1-9 last year at HoP but hit the board 5 times. Qualified staying in the 2-hole in 1.58 over a sloppy track and could be ready for a picture. Husted might leave some to get a good seat and then roll by off cover.

Race 10

2-Bombay Bobby (6-1)-Bobby is 1-4 at Haw, gets a good post draw for his style and may find this field to his liking. Should offer a square price plus this is the 1st time Seekman is between the pipes and that may help.
5-Burnin Rubber (7-1)-Was purchased for a modest $2,600 in the fall by Rutherford who owns and trains. Qualified here on 5-3 with a 56.2 back half and could contend if Sheehan does his part.
8-Mudville (5-1)-This is the 1st start for the Brink barn and he can send them out ready. Qualified with Leonard in the bike at Spr in a snappy 156.4. Ridge Warren gets the call as Leonard drives #9 for his dad.

Race 11

3-My Moriah (10-1)-First time starter qualified here on 5-3 and rolled the 2nd half 56.4 with a 27.2 last panel. Could be sitting on a big try and the price could be right.
7-Always B Mimi (4-1)-Another from the Brink barn, R Warren is between the pipes and has hit the board in 6 of 10 in Stickney with 1 picture. This post shouldn't hurt, can come off cover and does pass foes down the lane.
9-Dome With Kisses (5-1)-The 1st start for the Dillon barn came on 5-1 at MVR, went off at 6-1 in a 3-year-old stake race and suffered an interference break. From Indiana, to Ohio, now at Haw for a barn that has been rolling the past 30 days and the post makes the price. Lifetime record is not inspiring but should be able to compete with this crew and Wilfong can provide a smooth steer.

Race 12

2-Rock This Town (7/2)-Team Knox 3-year-old had breaking issues last year but stayed flat in a recent tune-up at Spr. Makes Haw debut and if it minds manners, has the speed to put this bunch away.
8-JK Newera (9/2)-Has hit the board in 3 of 4 starts at Haw in 2020 and this will be the 1st time Leonard takes a spin. Springfield qualifier on 4-27 was fine and could break its maiden if the pace is honest.

My Ticket

Race 9) 2,3,4,7

Race 10) 2,5,8

Race 11) 3,7,9

Race 12) 2,8

Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50

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