Hoosier Park has a 12 race card ready to roll with the first post at 5:30 EST. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 kicks-off in Race 9, which is also the Hoosier Cup Pace for three-year-old colts and geldings with a $75,000 purse. That sequence will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9

2-Sadddle Up (10-1)-Has been driven aggressively and can get off the gate in quick fashion. This will be the 2nd time for Lasix and has hit the board in 8 of 10 here with 2 pictures. Had to rally when the rail opened up and just missed a 2nd place check but did skip a start. Using and looking for prices in this leg so will shoot against the program chalk #4.
3-JK's Champ (10-1)-Similar to #2, does good work racing near the top of the stack and Widger should have Champ in striking range at the head of the stretch. Had to come 1st over in last and raced gamely to the wire but wasn't going to catch the winner.
5-Joelsyy Hanover (9/2)-Won the Elim with Trace Tetrick steering and now Dunn takes a seat and that shouldn't hurt. Took a picture despite missing a start and could be sitting on another big try.
7-Virgo (3-1)-Rolled the back half in 52.4 to cruise home by 4 lengths in a sharp Elimination win. The Dylan barn is batting 21% over the last 30 days and Tetrick has options. Versatile 3-year-old can win on the engine or coming off cover.

Race 10

4-Swan In Motion (4-1)-Should be more effective with needed post relief and with this post draw becomes a threat at a fair price. Has hit the board in 23 of 30 HoP starts with 9 wins and Page is back for his 2nd tour of duty. Using and shooting against another morning line chalk #6.
7-May Baby (9/2)-This mare comes off a big try coming 1st up and was just nipped by #8 last week. Loves the track, hitting the board in 21 of 27 Hoosier starts and has 14 pictures. Looking for another strong effort and best to not overlook.
8-What A Swan (7/2)-Was used to get the top and then got a nice 2-hole trip but when able came with a strong brush up the pylons to win. The post makes the price and there isn't much gate speed inside so Tetrick should be able to work an effective trip.

Race 11

5-Sooo Handsome (4-1)-Team Plano entry is only 1-21 this year but this is a level where taking a picture could happen. Meets a smaller field, has enough gate speed to be put in play early and could trip out for an overdue victory.
6-Simply Swan (2-1)-Beaten odds-on favorite has burned a lot of cash in the last 4 starts. Should be a better price than 0.70 on a $1.00 and was off 3 weeks before the last race so will cut some slack. But no excuses allowed tonight and the short field doesn't hurt chances.

Race 12

3-Madelines Blk Jack (3-1)-Rolled the back half in 54.2 in last and that wasn't good enough to catch the top two. Fits with this crew, the previous race was on an off-track so looks like a player and might be overlooked at the windows.
7-T'S Raider II (7/2)-Beat 3 from this field with a sharp effort leaving from post 10. Won't be almost 12-1 this time but Tetrick should find some live cover and if there is an honest pace it could be picture time again.
9-JK Objection (8-1)-Runner-up in the last 2 starts with Bates steering and now David Miller takes the lines. Has the gate speed to get an upfront seat and could surprise. My guess is Miller might have a good reason to stick around until the last race of the night.

My Ticket

Race 9) 2,3,5,7

Race 10) 4,7,8

Race 11) 5,6

Race 12) 3,7,9

Total Ticket Cost) $36 for $0.50

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