by Al Cimagiia
December 26, 2021
Tonight, Cal Expo has a 12-race card scheduled with the Pick 4 starting in Race 8. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
2-More More More (4-1)-Took control in last and was on the point for most of the mile before finishing 2nd. That was the 1st start at this level and was in too tough in the previous 2 CalX races. Should be put in play from the "go" and was Lackey's pick over #7.
4-Gene Eugene (6-1)-This classification is for non-winners in 2021, Gene is 0 for the last 2 years and so are a couple of others. Roland will steer, did pace the back half in 56.3 and should be closer to the lead turning for home.
5-Native's Best Bet (3-1)-Basically took a tour of the track last week staying inside in a needed start. Should be in the hunt versus this crew and will look for an aggressive try.
Race 9
3-Northbrook Ron (5-1)-Gets some needed post relief after being used hard from post 7 to get on the point. Cashed a 3rd place check after the trip took its toll. Has been good in all 4 CalX starts and will respect chances tonight.
4-Hay Hay Alright (12-1)-Rolled the back half in 56.2 to rally from 8th place for a picture. Not sure why the morning line is 12-1 and doubt that will be the price. But should offer some value and is racing well.
5-Western Devil (7/2)-Beat 5 from this group last week and started from post 8. Has the gate speed to get a close-up seat again and should be a main player.
Race 10
2-Brooklyn Moonshine (10-1)-Plano is back between the pipes and will be steering his own. This mare has hit the board in 24 of 45 CalX starts and has taken 9 pictures. Will look for a trip-out win at a juciy price.
5-Shes A Showstopper (3-1)-If minds manners, this 3-year-old filly should be in the mix at the wire. Stewart is steering for the 2nd consecutive race, and he kept her attention last week.
6-Oneida Blue Chip (5/2)-Not crazy about a short price but should fit well in the 4th local start and this will be the 3rd race after an injured scratch. Plested could have this mare dialed on high and Svendsen can come off cover and rally down the lane.
Race 11
1-Lickcreek Speedway (5/2)-Team Kennedy entry does well at CalX hitting the board in 28 of 51 races with 12 pictures. Makes its 3rd local start and should be in line for an efficient trip. Has been trying hard and could get rewarded if the fractions are honest.
5-Go Away N Play (5/2)-Raced well from post 8 in last, was impeded down the lane and now gets a ++ driver change with Plano taking the lines. Plano took a picture on 11-19 with this mare taking charge by the half and not looking back. The same script could be in play here.
$0.20 Pick 4
2,4,5/3,4,5/2,5,6/1,5
Total Bet=$10.80
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