by Al Cimaglia
March 7, 2025
Cal Expo begins the weekend with a 9-race card. The 0.20 Late 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 (8:25 PM PST)
4-Dancin Lance (5-1)-Battled well against this kind before dropping in class and posting an easy win. Steps back up, fits and should be tough to beat after an injection of confidence.
5-Unfiltered (5-1)-Had bumpy trips in the last 2 starts, finished well out of the money, and will look for an improved effort. Has 15 wins in 50 CalX races and could take a picture here but needs Aaron Lehman to work a smooth trip.
8-Alilthundadownunda (7/2)-Knows how to beat this kind and could be bet down. Also, has trouble at times finishing off a mile. Nick Roland is one of the top drivers on this circuit and could post a win if lands in a close-up seat off the gate.
9-Its Pointless (8/5)-Winner of 2 straight against this kind starts slowly and can finish in a hurry. Did just that in the last 2 starts from post 8, and will respect chances for a 3-peat.
Race 7 (8:45 PM PST)
2-Captain Cosette (3-1)-This is another who needs to be racing at the top of the stack to win. Could get a suck-around trip and may not offer any value. Needs to be used and hopefully won't be over bet.
3-Cenalta Memories (4-1)-Gets a ++ driver change with Luke Plano getting the call and taking over for trainer Renee Goulet. Should be dialed on high and will look for an aggressive steer.
9-JK Cache Meoutside (2-1)-Comes off a nice win, rolled the back-half in .57 and that was the 3rd start on Lasix. Will bank on Nick Roland to provide a sharp steer, and if so, should be a main player.
Race 8 (9:05 PM PST)
3-Allmyx'sliventexas (9/5)-Bumps up a couple of levels after drawing off by over 5 lengths. Comes right back, so does James Kennedy and looks like the one to beat off the last effort.
5-Reagan Blue Chip (3-1)-Finished 2nd to a well-meant winner and was used from post 7 when the wings folded. Landed in the pocket, but lost ground down the lane. The short field won't hurt, and could get the jump on the chalk. An upset is possible if lands on the point and John MacDonald can steal a quarter.
Race 9 (9:25 PM PST)
4-Cal's Hope (5-1)-There is not much form to chew on and will land here with a veteran that was used hard into a quick pace. Gets s significant driver change to James Kennedy. Could offer a fair price and should be in the hunt with a smooth trip.
5-Hurrikane Bunny (8-1)-James Lackey takes the lines and that change could help. Will likely leave and needs to land in a close up seat. This is another who can be a player but must avoid emptying its tank in the early going.
0.60 Late Pick 4
4,5,8,9/2,3,9/3,5/4,5
Total Bet=$28.80
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