Hawthorne Racecourse has a 9-race card. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 2, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 2 (7:30 PM CST)

1-Autumn Winds (6/5)-This 4-year-old is a maiden, actually she 0-50 lifetime and 0-23 this year. But she needed to be included because this is a very soft field and could get sucked-around. Someone has to win and hopefully will go off higher than the morning line price.
2-Royal Swan (5-1)-On the other end of the spectrum is a horse who has never lost, nor won. The 3-year-old filly debuts tonight and will be 1st time Lasix. Comes off a very nice qualifier on Lasix that happened at Haw on 12-21. Made the most of a cozy trip and crossed the line in 159.4, and that plan could work this time too.

Race 3 (7:50 PM CST)

1-Peekaboo Sal (2-1)-Went off a 2/5, just missed by a head on 12-22 and should be a main player again. Hopples are going on for this start and should be racing with the leaders when the wings fold.
3-Jewels For Champ (3-1)-Winner in 4 of the last 5 now makes the 1st start in the Simmons barn exiting the Erv Miller stable. There is a new trainer but Marcus Miller sticks. Has beaten some of these recently and should be put in play early on.

Race 4 (8:10 PM CST)

3-Minnesota Minnie (7-1)-Team Rath trainee needs to be close to the lead turning for the wire. That trip could happen here. Should be a solid price and may have met a beatable field.
6-Firing Onall Fours (5/2)-Does good work racing with the leaders and should be forwardly placed when the wings fold. Comes off an efficient win and will look to do the same. Best to respect, has won 2 of 3 races in Stickney.

Race 5 (8:30 PM CST)

2-Legal Liar (7-1)-Slow starts are one reason why the 7-year-old can't win but does close in a hurry. Hasn't had an inside post draw at Haw. It could finally be picture time if Marcus Miller can get into striking range around the last turn.
5-Nick's Monster (5/2)-This veteran can bring one strong move. If Todd Warren can time it right the 6-year-old will be tough to beat.
6-Fox Valley Monaco (9/2)-Gets some post relief and should be rolling hard down the lane. Needs an honest pace to catch the leader and there is a good chance of that happening.

$1 Early Pick 4

1,2/1,3/3,6/2,5,6
Total Bet=$24

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