by Al Cimaglia
February 28, 2025
Cal Expo has a 9-race card with the 0.20 Late Pick 4 starting 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 (8:25 PM PST)
4-Better Style (3-1)-This will be the 3rd start for the Bertrand barn and showed some improvement last week. The 0-9 record at CalX is cause for pause but James Kennedy sticks. Steps up and will look for the upswing to continue.
6-Love To Flirt (12-1)-Took the long way around and rallied to win at 39-1. Was 9th at the top of the lane and still won. Usually, would not lean toward a double up play here but this race could set-up for a closer.
7-Ragged But Right (5/2)-Finished 2nd against this type in last and its 2 wins this year came at this level. Should be a main player with a smooth trip, and with this pilot that isn't automatic.
Race 7 (8:45 PM PST)
1-Over Ice (3-1)-This will be the 3rd start of the meet and suffered an interference break 2 back. Rolled a .56 back half last time and rallied to finish a good 3rd. Nick Roland could get the top this time and not look back.
2-Overthemoonforyou (2-1)-Snapped a 6-race win streak on 2-15 after breaking at the start. Logical use on the bounce back but can't completely trust.
3-Made Of Misschief (8-1)-Hit the board in the last 3 starts, posted a win and now steps-up. Starts inside for a change and needs to race near the top of the stack. Could pop at a price with the right trip.
Race 8 (9:05 PM PST)
1-Captain Cosette (3-1)-Recent form has been dull but could be in a wake-up spot leaving from the rail. Looks like a candidate for a cozy trip picture.
5-Bro Hug (8/5)-The 4-year-old most likely will be bet hard even with a history of breaking issues. Seems to have been handled conservativly. Deserves to be on the ticket but will look to others as well.
6-Fan C That (9/2)-Raced better last week after getting on the engine and fading to finish 2nd. That was the 4th start on Lasix, Roland may try the same plan but be stronger to the wire.
Race 9 (9:25 PM PST)
6-Albergo Hanover (6-1)-Drops and is in a better spot to compete. Did finish 2nd in 2 straight against this kind. Jim Lackey should have forwardly placed and could use one-move to roll by down the lane.
7-Dancin Lance (2-1)-Should relish the company after battling hard at the Open level. Has the gate speed to get the top, and should be posing if that happens without burning much gas.
0.40 Late Pick 4
4,6,7/1,2,3/1,5,6/6,7
Total Bet=$21.60
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