Cal Expo has an 11-race card scheduled and the headliners are 4-year-olds battling in California Sires Stakes action. The 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

6-Mystery Dragon (15-1)-Pulled to go 1st over into a quick pace and tried to challenge the one below who went off at 7/5. That trip didn't work, will look for better here and was Thayer's choice over #8.
7-Unfiltered (6-1)-Beaten chalk was used very hard on the engine and set a quick pace. Faded to finish 3rd, beaten by a length and will look for a less taxing journey at a better price.
8-Dancin Lance (4-1)-Svendsen grabs the lines and that might help. Needs a good steer but tries hard and usually is in the hunt. Has more than 1 move and may need to show that from this post. Willing to fade the 3-1 program chalk #9 who doesn't show a win at this class with better post draws.

Race 8

3-Pecorino (15-1)-Price shot needs an efficient trip and could get sucked around. Starts from a good spot to save ground and isn't over his skis with this kind. Pacheco knows how to provide this type of steer.
4-Johnny Ringo (5-1)-Won at 6/5, was used a couple of times and didn't get the usual trip. Could come off cover this time and has enough gate speed to give Thayer choices.
6-Arnie's Army (9/2)-Svendsen chose #5 the program chalk that is not going to be on my ticket, so Mullet gets the drive. Arnie was far back early in last and rallied late. My take is he will be forwardly placed this time and be in striking range turning for the wire.
8-Giggle Monster (15-1)-Faces easier and gets Kennedy between the pipes which could make a difference. Should be a price and does good work at CalX (48-18-10-5). Has a shot in a wide-open race and will hope the chalk performs similar to his last start.

Race 9

1-Ellis Gray (7/5)-Faces some older horses and not feeling that will be an issue. Doesn't offer any value at the morning line, is only 1-25 the past 2 years, but looks like a main player versus this crew.
3-Machet Time (4-1)-This is another who doesn't like to win but someone has to and was used hard on the lead in the last mile. Gets Farris back who usually drives, is a better value than the one above and could get a cozy trip.

Race 10

5-Outlawburntpopcorn (2-1)-Hopefully some better prices hit in other legs because this looks like a chalky race. Pacheco should get an up-close seat and could make one nice move down the lane.
6-Brooklyn Moonshine (9/5)-Has competed at this level but has yet to take a picture this year. The short field should help and maybe this mare wakes up tonight. Did have 5 wins in 2022 and banked over $50k.

0.20 Pick 4

6,7,8/3,4,6,8/1,3/5,6
Total Bet=$9.60

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