Cal Expo begins the weekend with an 8-race card. The feature goes in Race 4 when California bred 3-year-old fillies battle for a share of a $15,000 purse. The 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $30,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

2-Albergo Hanover (2-1)-Left from the 6-hole and was used hard which led to fading down the lane when dropped to this level. Beaten chalk could make amends here and record the 1st CalX win (0-6).
4-Alilthundadownunda (8/5)-Morning line chalk looks the part. Has been close at this level and may finally seal the deal, previous winners aren't in this field.

Race 7

1-Witch Hunter (2-1)-Raced the back half in 57.2 to just miss. Stewart is back again and starting from the rail shouldn't hurt chances.
3-Treacherous Sky (3-1)-Captain Treacherous filly was bet down to 3/2 in last and was driven aggressively. Disappointed backers but the trip should be better this time and probably the price.

Race 8

2-Fox Valley Triton (3-1)-Added distance race makes it different and also more difficult to handicap. My play is to uses horses who will be forwardly placed rather than aim for dead closers. This 6-year-old fits that thinking and Roland should have in play early on.
3-Frisky Pedro (5-1)-Not sure how the added distance will suit this Plano trainee but will respect connections. Looking for an advantageous trip and a square price.


Race 9

1-Villa For Rent (4-1)-Plested trainee is usually right there at the wire. Svendsen should be leaving, looking to race at the top of the stack and and then use one move down the lane to roll by.
4-Terror Of The Night (4-1)-Loses Svendsen to (1) and Stewart steers this trip dependent veteran. Drops to a competive level and draws well. Should offer a fair price and be in the mix with a sharp steer.
6-Paddy Murphy (2-1)-Comes off a win and the last 2 starts have been nice efforts. Best to respect and can stay good for a while.

0.20 Pick 4

2,4/1,3/2,3/1,4,6
Total Bet=$2.40

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