by Al Cimaglia
February 9, 2018
Cal Expo starts the weekend with an 11-race card. The co-features are a pair of Open Paces which roll in Race 3 and Race 4, both with a $6,600 purse. The 0.20 Pick 4 with a $30,000 guaranteed pool and a 16% takeout begins in Race 8. My focus will be on the Pick 4 sequence and if the forecast is correct the track should be fast.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
2-Chilma-Could trip out from here and with this weak crew that's a reason to use.
3-Shez A Swift-No excuse as chalk in last but could get redemption at a square price.
6-Be My Lucky Lady-Often close but is camera shy, fits with these and will respect connections.
7-Windsun T Bird-Program chalk drops and best would be tough to beat versus this field.
Race 9
1-Lilbitofmama-Should be in the hunt from the rail and at 8-1 in the ML is worth a swing.
6-HF Card-Does best work on the engine and should be able to get there without much trouble.
8-Itsgoodtobeking-Back to a better level and Lackey has had success, looks set for a big try.
Race 10
1-Hot On The Pace-Looking for a price and this could be a Hernandez long shot special.
3-Cowboys Dirtyboots-Hot pace was the undoing in last, looking for a better effort tonight.
4-Good Citations-Will need a trip and Roland should be able to work one from here.
6-Who Dat Love-Toasted $3k claimers in last and may handle the step up for Kennedy-Johnson.
Race 11
4-Moon Is On Fire-On and off 12-yr-old performer has won at this level, will use Roland trainee at a price.
5-Coastal Treasure-8/5 chalk is the best on paper, likes to win and has beat better.
9-Nutmegs Desire-Impressive win in last from 9 hole and will take a swing for a repeat from same post.
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