Cal Expo begins 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% take out, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6 (8:25 PM PST)

1-Pridecrest (6-1)-This veteran moves up but is no stranger to battling this kind. Should offer a nice price and can take a picture if brings a top try.
3-Mandeville (3-1)-Has been bet hard in the last 3 starts and but couldn't seal the deal. Luke Plano should be on the point or in the pocket when the wings fold.
5-Silverhill Volo (6-1)-Stepped up and raced big versus this kind last week. Jim Lackey provided an efficient trip and outraced his odds. Could reward backers at a nice price if gets another sharp drive and brings just a bit more.

Race 7 (8:45 PM PST)

2-Wish I Had Thyme (8-1)-Steps up after a win and shouldn't blush at the competition. Could double up at a price if Gerry Longo finds a live cover flow again.
3-Starzznstripes (5-1)-Drops and makes the 3rd start after taking a couple of weeks off. Should offer a fair price, has beaten Open company in December and fits well here.
5-Velocity McSweets (2-1)-Drops to a better level for success but is not easy to figure. Could polish these off or not hit the board. But will respect, although not trust, as regular pilot James Kennedy is back between the pipes.

Race 8 (9:05 PM PST)

5-Doubleontherocks (3-1)-This mare is camera shy for sure but will toss last on a sloppy track. Hasn't won on a wet surface in 14 tries and Kennedy should put in play versus a suspect field.
6-Muffin Top (8/5)-Looked good last week and paid off at 11-1. If brings the same type of effort it could lead to cashing the top check again. But winning 2 races in a row is a challenge for this mare and is only 2 for 26 at CalX.

Race 9 (9:25 PM PST)

4-Sherwood (5-1)-Comes off a big race from post 8 to finish 2nd as the 2-1 chalk. Does bump up but draws better and won't be 14 lengths back at the 1st call. Should be a square price and will look for another big effort.
5-Cut A Rug (9/2)-Gets some class relief and Plano should be in better position than last week when the wings fold. Needs the right trip but can be a player at this level.
6-Bunkerhill Phil (5/2)-This is another who has been facing better, could do some damage versus this kind and hopefully won't be over bet. Team Longo entry is in a drop and pop situation and deserves respect.

0.20 Pick 4

1,3,5/2,3,5/5,6/4,5,6
Total Bet=$10.80

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