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February 2: Cal Expo Pick 4 Ticket

by Al Cimaglia

February 2, 2018

The feature at Cal Expo rolls in Race 6, the Alan Kirschenbaum Final-Diamond Horse Alliance for Fillies and Mares with an $8,300 purse. Mr. Kirschenbaum was an owner, breeder, amateur driver and past president of the California Harness Horsemen's Association. He was instrumental in the progress of California harness racing as well as being a successful television writer and producer. Mr. Kirschenbaum passed away suddenly in 2012 at the age of 51.

The 0.20 Pick 4 sequence begins in Race 8 and will be my focus. My plan is to go deeper in the closing leg to find a long shot winner.

Last night at Yonkers, Foiled Again was used hard in the opening quarter to get the lead. The 14-year-old was brave to the wire but finished third. I didn't think the race set-up well for Foiled Again and his 100th victory will need to come another day. At 6/5 I couldn't play the champ and many folks seemed to be betting with their heart. Foiled Again will hit the century mark unless he suffers an injury, but it may need to come in a softer spot.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8
2-Happy Heath-Used hard early on an off track, should be in better shape from this post.
3-Buzz Light-Steps up from NW2 but that was quite an effort from 9 hole and will respect.
6-Machabyebaby-Has been trying hard and now gets post relief, all systems should be "go".
8-Mystery Dragon-Big effort to take a picture in last, and when this guy gets good he can stay that way.

Race 9
1-Allmyx'sliveintexas-4th start off the bench and has been sharp, might get rewarded tonight.
3-FF Big Show-Plano's choice may get one soft quarter, dangerous with the right trip.
6-Julerica-Blew the field away on 1/13 (1:51.3), got hurt by a soft pace in last, best to respect at 12-1.

Race 10
1-Cenalta Diesel-Got on the engine and faded now Plano steers and last time he drove it was picture time.
2-Lil Orphan Elmer-Rolled the back half in 55.4 but pace was soft. Wiseman steers and looking for a big try.
4-Walker Meister-2 rough efforts from outside, from this spot could make some noise at a square price.

Race 11
1-Place At The Beach-Comes off a win and will respect this 10-time winner in 2017.
4-Bettor Lady-Program chalk will be well backed, will look to beat but is sharp.
5-Rush And Brush-Roland trainee has tailed off but fits with these and should be in the hunt.
6-Fire Dance-Price shot can compete, and if race sets up could be in great position at the top of the lane.
8-Totally Racy-Taking a swing with Wiseman at a price, 2nd start for Plested after purchase at 15-1 in ML.

0.20 Pick 4
2,3,6,8/1,3,6/1,2,4/1,4,5,6,8
Total Bet=$36


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