Cal Expo has a 12-race card scheduled with the feature coming in Race 6, the Roberts Staats Final. The one-mile pace for mares with a $9,600 purse is in honor of Bob Staats who died in 2011 and was a prominent owner-breeder in California. The co-feature this evening rolls in Race 8 an Open Handicap Pace with a $7,000 purse. The main event on the betting menu also begins in Race 8, the 0.20 Pick 4 sequence with a $40,000 guaranteed pool and a 16% takeout, it will be my focus. 

On Friday the driver with the hottest hands at Cal Expo was Luke Plano with four winners. As for conditioners, trainer Kathy Plested took four pictures while Luke Plano made three trips to the winner's circle. 

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track. 

Race 8 

3-I'm An Athlete-Will toss last from the 8-hole into a soft pace, usually in the hunt at this class. 
5-King Of The Crop-Came the last 1/2 in .55 in 1st start since 8/18, could be sitting on a big try. 
8-Icy Blue Scooter-Has been 1st or 2nd in 4 tries here since adding Lasix, 9/5 chalk is extra sharp. 

Race 9 

2-Gravelsinmytravel- 0-5 at CalX but drops to a better spot and from this post should stay in the mix. 
3-Dontdoubtthelakers-Steps up a notch after a strong place finish on an off track and now gets Plano for 1st time. 
4-Contemporay Legend-Won last by 9 in the slop and has been tough all meet, this field is tougher but will respect. 
5-Fly Away-10-year-old has been tossing hints, loves the track and will respect connections. 

Race 10 

1-Peekaboo Tattoo-Dropped and popped in last, could score an encore versus this bunch, leaving ML chalk #7 out. 
3-Outlawintriguedbyu-2nd start in Plested barn, wasn't Wiseman's pick but Svendsen should keep in striking range. 
6-La Diva De Rosa-Price shot, gets a ++ driver change and looking for an aggressive steer, 3rd time on Lasix. 

Race 11 

2-Along Came Jane-Looking for an aggressive try from Magee, a dry track should help, could win at a square price. 
5-Burn My Villa-Came off 2 wins and then had a tough trip in the slop. Best to respect 11-time winner in 2018. 
7-Bettor Lady-Makes 3rd start off the bench, drops out of Opens and Plano steers. Winner of 7 of 20 at CalX. 

My Ticket

Race 8) 3,5,8

Race 9) 2,3,4,5

Race 10) 1,3,6

Race 11) 2,5,7 

Total Ticket Cost) $21.60 for $0.20

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