Hawthorne Racecourse has an 8-race card with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 5. The sequence has a $7,500 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 5 (8:10 PM CST)

2-Millennial (9/2)-Won in a 152.2 two back and took advantage of an efficient trip. Raced wide last week and disappointed at 1/5. Will look for a smooth journey this time and that could give the 6-year-old his 7th win in 16 starts.
4-Frankiepark (6-1)-Drops and faces similar to the group he beat on 10-27 in the slop. Has hit the board in 5 of 8 starts at Haw and has posted 2 pictures. Should enjoy the company and be in the hunt at the wire.
6-Fox Valley Treason (4-1)-Travis Seekman steers his own and sticks with #2 so Casey Leonard takes a spin. Has been racing well with straight NW2 company and the Stephan Halford 3-year-old may have his way with some older foes.

Race 6 (8:25 PM CST)

4-Who'zzz This Sky (9/2)-Might be overlooked at the windows and offer a square price. Gets a positive driver change with Bates taking the lines and that could be a winning difference. Will look for an aggressive steer and to be racing with the leaders throughout the mile.
5-Fox Valley Carlos (3-1)-Team Husted pupil has trouble finishing off miles. Did have a good effort last week, may get a better trip this time and be able to seal the deal.
6-Almost Gone (5-1)-Team Leonard entry has been racing from the back but did show a nice close last time. Short field shouldn't hurt and could surprise if near the lead at the top of the lane.

Race 7 (8:40 PM CST)

5-Lous Amazon (6/5)-Requalified on 10-28 after having breaking issues. Returned to action and cashed a 2nd place check and then won the next start. Should get a close-up seat off the gate and could double up if minds its manners.

Race 8 (8:55 PM CST)

4-Caviart Richmond (7/2)-This 5-year-old has forgotten how to win after taking 10 pictures in 2022. Has finished 2nd in 3 of the last 4 and will need the right steer to win. This pilot can struggle with putting a horse in a position to win. But if the trip is smooth it could lead to an overdue win.
10-Silverstone (6-1)-This race is a real taffy pull so will look for a play who has more spunk than most down the lane. Also, this will be the 4th straight for Todd Warren to be steering and will look for him to be closer to the top turning for the wire.

0.50 Late Pick 4

2,4,6/4,5,6/5/4,10
Total Bet=$9

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