Cal Expo has a big night of racing on tap featuring two carryovers. The 0.20 Early Pick 5 has a $13,670 carryover and a $50,000 gross guaranteed pool. The sequence starts in Race 1, has a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus. The other carryover on the 11-race card comes in the finale. The 0.20 High-5 in Race 11 has a $6,744 carryover that leads to a $25,000 guaranteed pool.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 1

4-Cartiere (6-1)-This 4-year-old has a knack for winning and comes off a solid effort to take a picture. Things clicked this year winning 8 times in 12 tries, making his lifetime record (12-8-1-1). Likes to race near the top of the stack, could get the 2-hole behind #6.
5-Two To Ten (3-1)-No one was beating Ivar last week but was clearly 2nd best and missed a start. Likes to cash checks hitting the board in 21 of 38 and now Plano takes a seat. Has acclimated to the big track and could be sitting on a big try.
6-Ivar (9/5)-Five-year-old made it look easy in last and many will probably single. Took to the off track and did get the jump on the field. Can't keep off the ticket but will look to beat this 5-year-old who has only 8 lifetime wins in what might be a chalky sequence.
7-Down It (9/2)-Elson Miller drove and trained this 3-year-old who looked a bit bumpy early in the mile. But kicked into gear going 3-wide down the lane and pulled away from the field. Steps up but went the back half in .57 and could be better in the 2nd start on this oval.
8-Snoah (15-1)-Faded last week on a good track and previous efforts here on a fast surface were better. Svendsen sticks with Plested (#1) but Irving has been hot, and he gets the assignment. Could pop at a price, can rally off cover if the fractions are lively.

Race 2

1-Not Me Gram (3-1)-Put in a decent qualifier on 12-9 and should be tough to beat if all systems are go. Plano steers this Hoosier invader who probably is the fastest on a mile surface.
3-Cut A Rug (8/5)-Burned money in the last 2 starts and those were on a wet track. But the race 3 back was a sharp win drawing off by 3 lengths at this class and will look for a return to that form.

Race 3

4-Prom Queen (3-1)-Finished 2nd to the one below but was no match on a sloppy track. Could present a stern challenge on a dry surface.
5-Nebble Hanover (4/5)-Has won 3 in a row, the last 2 by over 7 lengths. Took off like a speed boat in the slop and never looked back. May win again if the track comes up dry but the Queen could present a challenge.

Race 4

2-DT Pet Attack (3-1)-This Pet Rock 3-year-old is winless in 22 attempts. But this group is full of horses who don't win, and the Plano/Cisco combo does click at CalX.
6-Ideal Poppy (1/1)-This Schneider pupil drops and is a respectable 5 for 15, the rest of the field has only 2 wins in total. Finished a beaten 2nd in the last 2 starts to well-meant winners and neither are in this race.

Race 5

2-Marys Pretty Girl (7/2)-Cashed 2nd place checks losing to the one below in the last 2 starts. Both tries were against Open company and just missed by a head when the track was fast. Goulet was between the pipes that night and he's back steering here.
6-Rockin With Lou (6/5)-This mare is owned, driven, and trained by 77-year-old Gerry Longo and has won 14 of 21 at CalX. Has been an odds-on winner in the last 2 starts and should be a short price again.

0.20 Early Pick 5

4,5,6,7,8/1,3/4,5/2,6/2,6
Total Bet=$16

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