It's opening night at Cal Expo and there is a 12-race card scheduled. The 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 8. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8 (9:05 PM PST)

3-Tommy Shelby (15-1)-Price shot put in a decent qualifier at CalX and finished off the mile nicely. The last race before the 11-1 qualifier was at Aces on 9-10. Will trust the Pacheco barn will have the 4-year-ready for his CalX debut.
5-Rock's Image (7/5)-Team Longo 4-year-old has won 5 of 6 lifetime and was 2nd in the other race. Posted a win at Rosecroft on 10-5 in a 1.53 mile with a 27.3 last panel. Not loving the short price being the 1st time racing on a mile track but will respect chances.
6-Jeremys Alibi (15-1)-Team Roland entry was competing against tough foes at Aces. This is another 3-year-old that should have an edge against most in this field despite the morning line price. Interesting play if takes to the 1-mile oval in its CalX debut.

Race 9 (9:25 PM PST)

2-Gee Wilikers (5-1)-Going to fade the program chalk #1 who ships in from Haw and is 1-20 at CalX. Willing to use this team Cutting entry who has hit the board in 4 of 10 here with 1 picture. Also, beat Albergo Hanover at Aces on 9-8 and offers better value.
4-Reagan Blue Chip (6-1)-Put in a good tune-up at CalX on 11-11 and went the back half in 56.2 with a 27.3 last quarter. Could offer a square price and is a threat if fires hot off the bench.
5-He Grins Again (6-1)-This veteran knows his way to the CalX winner's circle (128-19-20-21) and should be a square price. Draws well, likes to race near the top of the stack and Plano should have the pedal down off the gate.

Race 10 (9:45 PM PST)

4-Prom Queen (6-1)-Put in a qualifier on 11-11 over this track and has won 12 of 56 at CalX. James Kennedy will steer and that shouldn't hurt. Will need a top effort but the price should be right to take a swing and could be used underneath as well.
6-Lucky Lil Lady (7/2)-This Schneider trainee was battling Open Handicap company at Aces and put in a very nice qualifier at CalX. Did win the tune-up and has taken 3 pictures in 11 races on this oval.
7-Divine Art (5/2)-Willing to use this team Longo pupil who has won 10 of 13 at CalX. Raced at Woodstock in October and is a logical main player if tight enough for this start.

Race 11 (10:05 PM PST)

2-Gorgeous For Real (2-1)-Didn't set the world on fire at Hoosier but faces a softer group tonight. This veteran is locally owned and has been in town for about a month. Probably is acclimated, does good work at CalX (64-17-6-9) and Svendsen should work a smooth trip.
3-Watchmeneighneigh (3-1)-This 8-year-old also has local connections and Roland will steer. Has won 2 of 16 at CalX, should be racing near the top of the stack and might land in the pocket behind the one above.

0.20 Pick 4

3,5,6/2,4,5/4,6,7/2,3
Total Bet=$10.80

Check me out on Twitter!