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Sat June 29th, 2024 |
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Howard's Late Pick 4
Hawthorne Race 5
Post Time 4:02 PM CST
Race 5: 2 - 3 - 5
Late Pick 4 Ticket: 2,3,5,8 / 2,5,9 / 1,3,7,8,9 / 1,11 ($60)
This race is very important for horizontal bettors as it’s the closeout leg of the early Pick 4 and start of the Late Pick 4. It’s also a spread race with many contenders. There appears to be two speed types, and I’ll go with one of them. #2 Lundberg (5-2) seems to be a bit more versatile than the other speed just to his outside. Hopefully jockey Cohen can read the situation and make the right decision. Even though the horse is only 1 for 12 lifetime, he seems to be learning the game and improving. He was claimed three back and is not for sale today…high expectations seem to be the name of the game here.
Race 6: 5 - 9 - 2
#5 Code Name (7-2) is the soft choice in my least favorite of races…turf sprints. He has a plethora of early speed, and probably needed his last one, his first race in 4 ½ months. He showed plenty of speed and just got tired. Now, he goes ½ a furlong shorter, has a great post, and can either rocket to the lead or sit just off.
Race 7: 9 - 8 - 7
Late Pick 4 Ticket: 1,2 / 7,9 / 1,3,4,8 / 5,6 ($16)
The co-feature of the day is a nice allowance dirt sprint. #9 First Hill (9-2) is as sharp as they come, having one his last four races. It appears trainer Watkins has taught the filly how to run on dirt, with two victories out of town. A nice cozy outside draw awaits her today, and Emigh can look to his left and decide when to push the button. She’s in for the $50k tag due to her winning ways, but the “for sale” sign does not discourage me in this situation.
Race 8: 1 - 11 - 4
This race is complicated. Do not take a short price on your top choice as there are many competitors who can find the winner’s circle. #1 License to Steal (8-1) (out the dam April Fifteenth, now that’s creative naming!), has only one race under his belt. That race was scratched off the turf and screams “prep” to me for trainer Block, who usually gives his horses a start to get acclimated to racing. There’s plenty of turf breeding, especially on the dam side, and an inside post guarantees at least some saved ground during the running. A few works since his debut adds to the appeal for Team Block.