by Al Cimaglia
March 22, 2024
Cal Expo has a 10-race card to begin the weekend. 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 (8:45 PM PST)
1-Officer Jim (9/2)-Comes off its best race of the meet and should be ready to offer even more in the 5th start in town. Does move up but gets post relief and the team Kennedy entry could connect at a square price.
7-Bombay Hanover (8-1)-Does best racing near the top of the stack and followed the opposite plan in last and fell short by less than a length. Price shot did pace the 2nd half in 54.4 in last and performed well 2 back versus this kind.
9-Kamara (7/2)-Winner of 3 straight starts slowly and finishes in a hurry. Can go the back half in sub .54, can't do that every week but it's risky leaving off the ticket.
Race 8 (9:05 PM PST)
1-Daniel's Son (6-1)-Had a game win 2 back at this level, and looks like a player with a post edge on some tougher foes. Lemoyne Svendsen can work a ground saving journey and be in striking range at the top of the lane.
5-JP Jetty (5/2)-Comes off an even effort versus better and fits like a glove in this field. James Kennedy could look to take control and should be in the hunt at the wire.
7-Rockinscience (3-1)-Has cashed 3rd place checks in the last 2 starts versus better and now drops to the level of its last win. Likes to roll late and should be heard from down the lane.
Race 9 (9:25 PM PST)
1-City By The Sea (5/2)-Comes off an even effort last time when dropped to this TM level and was 10-lengths back at the half. Should be competitive if gets off the gate and with an efficient trip. Can take a picture if within reach of the leaders turning for the wire.
4-DT Pet Attack (7/2)-Another who meets a beatable field. Unfortunately, there isn't much form to read in this affair, and have focused on 2 who will likely be bet.
Race 10 (9:45 PM PST)
7-Cenalta Firedragon (7/2)-Has landed on top early in the last 2 miles but faded near the wire. Luke Plano shouldn't have much trouble getting the lead, there isn't much gate speed in the field. This could be an opportunity to better rate the mile.
8-Fox Valley Sidecar (4-1)-Showed some improvement in last versus this kind. Stayed inside last week, Cutting sticks and will look for an aggressive try versus this group. Has won 3 of 12 at CalX and should offer a fair price.
0.20 Pick 4
1,7,9/1,5,7/1,4/7,8
Total Bet=$7.20
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