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Thu August 8th, 2024 |
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Howard's Late Pick 4
Hawthorne Race 6
Post Time 4:30 PM CST
Race 6: 7 - 2 - 3
Late Pick 4 Ticket: All / 1,3,4 / 3,4,5 / 3 ($36)
You’ll know early if top choice #7 Strange Arrange (3-1) has a shot. He’s unproven on the turf, but has run well on synthetic surfaces, and most importantly is VERY quick early. As the speed of the speed, if he can clear from the outside in this short 5f affair, he could be tough to catch. Wide-open race…using seldom-used “all-button” in the Pick 4.
Race 7: 3 - 4 - 1
Bottom-level maiden claimers battle to graduate….soft choice #3 Flathead Finale (5-2) drops in from Prairie Meadows in Iowa for excellent connections. The 3yo Mastery filly should get a good trip from the inside and run down #4 Lost Sunset, but it won’t be easy. It’s important to note the filly’s best effort was over this Stickney oval 4-back…maybe she loves the long stretch.
Race 8: 5 - 4 - 3
Today’s feature highlights talented allowance runners going two turns on the dirt. This is also my PRICE PLAY OF THE DAY! #5 Ricky Bobby (8-1) ships in from Canterbury in Minnesota, where he’s won his last two races. While slower on paper and unproven at Hawthorne, “Bobby” is in great form and his closing style fits the profile of this race….there’s plenty of early speed signed on and the pace could fall apart late. I’m expecting the son of Gun Runner to take back early and make a big run. He’s been involved in moderate to slow-paced races lately, and should love the expected fast pace in front of him today. SHAKE AND BAKE (Talladega Night movie-lovers)!!
Race 9: 3 - 1 - 4
Trainer Chris Block (2nd in the standings) has two horses entered here…a first-time starter on the outside and #3 License to Steal (6-1), a well-bred turf-meant 3yo gelding who’s been unable to race on his preferred surface. By Speightstown out of a Fort Prado mare, he is by far the quickest early according to Timeform and could live up to his name if he takes to the grass as expected. He’ll have to hold off the rail horse late, who is 0-for-8 but a consistent closer who’ll save ground throughout.