This is closing night at Cal Expo so there will be mandatory payouts. The 0.20 Pick 5 kicks-off the 8-race card. The sequence has a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 1

5-Peanutbettornjelly (3-1)-This will be the 3rd start off the bench, raced on the point in last and faded in the late going. The race is a real taffy pull and will fade the tepid program chalk #7. This mare faces younger and could seal the deal tonight.
6-The Last Waltz (10-1)-Came off a sick scratch and cashed a 3rd place check just besting the one above. That wasn't a bad effort and could be better in this spot at a decent price.
8-Mightyman (9/2)-Was bet down in last and made-up ground down the stretch to just get up at the wire. The 4-year-old is only 1-17 but could challenge again with a good steer and should offer a fair price.
9-Bollinger (5-1)-Plano will be back with his 2nd straight steer and that could help. Was beaten in the late going by the one above. The 0-22 record is cause for pause but can compete here and should be a better price than last time as well. Could land in a good early seat and look to roll by down the lane

Race 2

5-Three Grand (1/2)-Should be able to beat this crew, was used early in last and didn't have enough pop down the lane. Did finish willingly and drops in with others who are winless in 2023. Hopefully, Mullet provides a good steer and doesn't step on the gas too hard early on. Short field should help, and no excuses allowed.

Race 3

3-Handsome Harvey (8/5)-Has been racing well and his nemesis Officer Jim is not in this field. Plano should be on the point at the top of the stretch or within reach of the leaders. Closed in .27 after racing near the top in a 150.4 mile, and with a clean trip Harvey should have his way with this crew.

Race 4

4-Down On It (8-1)-Needs the perfect trip to win but at this price is worth a swing as Kennedy could provide a sharp steer. Has hit the board in 10 of 14 races here and should be in the hunt at the wire.
6-Johnny Ringo (5/2)-Plano sticks looking for another picture after beating similar last week. This Tremblay trainee has been in sharp form over the last month. Will look for another top effort and has the gate speed to land on the point or in the 2-hole off the gate.

Race 5

1-Princessofthedawn (2-1)-Plano made it look like the freshman were playing the seniors last week as this gal drew off by 6 lengths. Could use another well-timed move and double up at a small price.
2-Senga Nightmare (5/2)-Was no match for the one above last time but was used twice during the 1st quarter to land on the point. Went off at 1/5 and Grundy drove this mare aggressively and that took its toll down the lane. This time, may look for a cozy pocket trip like Plano had, and then get some revenge down the lane at a much better price.

0.20 Pick 5

5,6,8,9/5/3/4,6/1,2
Total=$3.20

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