Cal Expo begins the weekend with a 10-race card. The popular 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 7. 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 7

3-Sporty Spook A (6-1)-Took advantage of a sizzling pace to win on 2-10 and best to respect tonight. Starts inside and Goulet should have this veteran in striking range at the top of the lane.
5-Leisure Suit Larry (9/2)-Larry needs a trip and Thayer should be able to provide an efficient steer. Was used a couple of times in last and finished well. Looks like a player at a square price.
7-Alway's Close (7/2)-If Irvine avoids a tardy start, it could be picture time. An honest pace would help because this Kehl trainee can close well.

Race 8

3-Ain't She Special (5/2)-Team Plano pupil seldom races and has 1 win in 16 starts the past 2 years. That said this mare is the 2nd morning line chalk and should be in the mix at the wire. This is quite a taffy pull, comes off a good effort and will probably be a small price.
4-Devils Brother (8-1)-Was scratched on 12-26, since then had double qualifiers and a decent start on 2-11 considering the trip. Lackey is between the pipes again and this seldom winning 7-year-old should be a big price. Did race in 1.55 to finish 2nd here on 11-25 and could be a used in gimmicks as well.
6-Western Mickey (10-1)-Outraced his odds and finished 2nd on 2-11 but loses James Kennedy as Elson Miller takes the lines. Fits with this similar group and could surprise with a sharp steer.

Race 9

1-Irish National (5/2)-Comes back quickly and should be racing near the top of the stack. Will respect the Ellis/Thayer connection.
6-Sparkthedragon (3-1)-May have landed in a prime spot for the first win of the year. Svendsen could look to get a better early seat and then roll by down the lane.

Race 10

1-Chasing Bismark (9/2)-Hung around and raced near the top last time to finish 3rd versus this kind. The same trip can work here, and the outcome could be better. Will look for a nice price to take a swing with Pacheco between the pipes.
5-Thisishowwedoit (6-1)-Plested entry drops to the softest level this meet. Should be dialed on high and this is another who could offer a solid price.
6-Dance Traveler (5/2)-Beat better than this at CalX on 12-16. Drops and should be a player at this level. This is the 3rd start since double sick scratches in January and could be sitting on a big try.

0.20 Pick 4

3,5,7/3,4,6/1,6/1,5,6
Total Bet=$10.80

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