by Al Cimaglia
December 17, 2021
Cal Expo begins the weekend with a 9-race card and the 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 6
4-Native's Best Bet (6-1)-Makes the 1st start of the meet and the qualifier was fine. Did pace the back half in 58.3 for team Kennedy and this is the level where a picture could happen. Willing to take a swing the connections will have ready to roll coming off the bench.
5-Tink And Tiger (6/5)-Makes the 4th local start and drops to a spot to shine. This 13-year-old doesn't take many pictures but drops to the basement and had excuses in the previous 3 races.
Race 7
1-Uniquerock (4-1)-Comes off a win and could double up but will need a good steer. Lackey has the post to work an efficient trip.
4-Senga Nigtmare (7/2)-Rolled the back-half in 56.4 to draw off by 3 lengths and beat this kind last week in a new lifetime mark. Best to respect chances for an encore in an interesting affair.
7-Sierra Mystique (10-1)-This mare has hit the board in 5 of 9 at CalX and has taken 3 pictures. Was driven aggressively in last and looks like a live price play. Svendsen may try a different plan and come off cover to roll by down the lane.
Race 8
4-Roaring Home (6/5)-Raced well in both local starts. Last week's effort was on a sloppy track and is only 2-23 on a wet surface. Drops to a soft spot and Plano sticks.
7-Blue Gem (3-1)-This veteran mare makes her 4th local start after being off since 9-14 and could be sitting on a big try. Has improved in every effort and looks to be racing herself into shape.
Race 9
1-Casa Miasa (4-1)-This 9-year-old mare can pass foes down the lane. Succarotte could work a suck around trip and roll by near the wire.
2-Lickcreek Speedway (5-1)-Was handled conservatively in its season debut. This team Kennedy entry paced the 2nd half in .56 with a .27 last quarter. This is another who can trip out and should offer a fair price.
5-Wizzel Stix (10-1)-Fits better with this crew and was used hard in last. The trainer is off, and Stewart is between the pipes. Should be in striking range at the top of the lane and could be overlooked at the windows.
8-Go Away N Play (6-1)-Takes a good drop and beat similar here on 11-19. Has hit the board in 2 of 4 starts at CalX with 1 win. Looking for some value in this leg and will fade the program chalk #7.
My Ticket
Race 6) 4,5
Race 7) 1,4,7
Race 8) 4,7
Race 9) 1,2,5,8
Total Ticket Cost) $9.60 for $0.20
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