Cal Expo kicks off the weekend with a 9-race card. The 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 6. 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 6 (8:35 PM PST)

1-Doubleontherocks (10-1)-This is James Kennedy's choice over #4-Prom Queen who is 4-1 in the program. Camera shy mare may have met a beatable field and should get a cozy trip.
5-Outlawburntpopcorn (15-1)-Driver Jesse Pacheco had the siren on and the lights flashing as he blasted out from post 10. Did get on the engine and almost hung on but faded to finish 2nd in last. That was the best mile in a while and will look for the upswing to continue.
7-Lulu Hoop (6-1)-This gal has won 2 of the last 3 and is now 2 for 8 at CalX. Faces some older mares here but could double up as the Roland barn has been clicking.

Race 7 (8:55 PM PST)

2-Love To Flirt (9/2)-Raced well in last and Luke Plano steers here. Should be forwardly placed throughout and could be ready to post a win. Plano steered on 12-29 when she broke her maiden.
6-Go Viral (4-1)-The 1-21 record is cause for pause but Svendsen was able to wake-up this 4-year-old last time. This is the 2nd straight steer for the same pilot, and needs to avoid a very slow start. Did roll the last 1/2 in 56.1, and could be closer to the lead in the early going tonight.
7-Illseeifican (2-1)-Beaten chalk was 17 lengths back at the 1st call. This is only the 4th career start for the 6-year-old so really can't be trusted. But is a player if comes with the same effort as on 1-5.

Race 8 (9:15 PM PST)

3-Bunker Hill Phill (5-1)-Gerry Longo returns to drive his trainee for the 1st time since 12-17. Stayed inside and closed sharply in last versus the same kind. Should be a fair price and could be sitting on a big try.
5-Gee Wilikers (3-1)-Beaten 4/5 chalk got caught 1st over into a quick pace. Jacob Cutting will steer again and will look for a smoother trip.

Race 9 (9:35 PM PST)

6-Brooklyn Wind Up (3-1)-May have found a spot to shine as this is a soft bunch. The Roland barn is posting 31% winners over the past 30 days. This mare could get a nice trip and prove to be the best down the lane.
8-Brooklyn Moonshine (3-1)-Plano will have this veteran mare in play off the gate. Should have enough gate speed to get on the point or land in the pocket. Could be tough to tackle if things go well in the opening 1/4 mile.

0.20 Pick 4

1,5,7/2,6,7/3,5/6,8
Total Bet=$7.20

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