by Al Cimaglia
January 13, 2018
The Saturday night feature at Cal Expo rolls in Race 9, an Open Pace with a $6,660 purse. From a betting standpoint the 0.20 Pick 4 with a $30,000 guaranteed pool begins in Race 8. There's not much of a chance for rain, hopefully the fog will lift, and the track will be fast.
Last night at Hawthorne my Pick 4 ticket failed in the first leg when #4-Mojoto Hanover was bet down to 3/5 and raced like it to capture the win. The $0.50 Late Pick 4, (4/1,3/2/10) paid a chalky $46.35.
The driver with the hottest hands at Cal Expo on Friday was Luke Plano, who brought home three winners. Liberio Pachecho and Lester Smith shared top honors for conditioners as both trainers had two trips to the winner's circle. My Pick 4 ticket below has more coverage than on some nights as the chalks appear vulnerable.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
2-Blue Note-Rallied strongly with a 55.1 back half and should be a major player tonight.
4-Rush And Brush-Dropped to this level and was impressive in the slop. Roland trains and drives, best to respect.
6-Place At The Beach-Kennedy steers for Longo and he could be a difference maker.
Race 9
6-To The Limit-Even effort to finish 3rd in Opens and should be rolling late for Wiseman.
7-I'm An Athlete-Tuned up nicely on 1/6 and fits with this bunch at 7-1 in the ML.
8-Gorgeous For Real-Has had trouble closing the deal at this class but is in the hunt, could look for cover tonight.
10-Eastender-Too good to leave out but post could be an issue, likes to race up close.
Race 10
2-Lovers Holiday-Camera shy but in form, and from this post could take a picture at a square price.
3-Cenalta Diamond-2-1 ML chalk has won 2 in a row, deserves respect but will try to beat.
5-Getter Queen Flush-Too far back in a slow pace in last and now gets a positive driver change with Roland.
8-Yeswellnomaybe-Plano will need to work a good trip. If he lands a good early spot could be heard from late.
Race 11
2-Musician-Good effort after showing a break, will need a trip but can make some noise at good odds.
3-Swagasaurusrex-Comes off a tough trip and doesn't have much time left in this class, could be set for a big try.
5-Julerica-Connections don't win often but this is a better level, might be a good trip away from a picture.
8-FF Bigshow-Will toss last in slop, 2nd ML chalk figures to be in the hunt with Plano.
0.20 Pick 4
2,4,6/6,7,8,10/2,3,5,8/2,3,5,8
Total Bet=$38.40
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