by Al Cimaglia
March 2, 2019
Cal Expo's feature is scheduled as Race 3, an Open Trot with a $6,500 purse. The highlight of the 11-race card comes in Race 8, the beginning of the 0.20 Pick 4. The sequence has a $40,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.
The driver with the hottest hands on Friday night was Steve Wiseman with four wins. The top conditioners on the card were Kathy Plested and Luke Plano each with three trips to the winner's circle.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
2-Cantholdmebackmack-2nd start off the bench and doesn't need to improve much to win at a square price.
4-Justabitcrazy-Has had excuses, drops, likes the engine and could get the top without much effort tonight.
7-Prodigal-9-time winner in '18 drops to lowest level of the meet. Sobey's choice and looks like a player versus this group.
8-GD Rock My World-Recent form has been dull but can be in the hunt facing this field. Will respect connections.
Race 9
1-Laissez Moi Passer-Recent form not great but usually wakes up at this level and Plano knows well.
6-Blue Star Jet-Versatile type tries hard but has had trouble sealing the deal, will respect versus this crew.
7-I'm Blue Too-Another dropping to a spot to shine in a competitive affair, short field should help.
Race 10
1-Swagasaurusrex-Steps-up off a tripped out win but these are within reach, best when up-close, looking for same here.
2-In For The Chase-Racing well and fits nicely with this bunch, lukewarm chalk is a threat for Team Grundy.
7-Contemporay Legend-Will toss last versus better, back down to a spot to take a picture with the right trip.
Race 11
2-Lookslikewemadeit-This looks like a good spot and the post draw will keep close with a shot to sweep by in the lane.
5-Lickcreek Speedway-Looking for a better effort on a dry track, if so, should be a major player.
6-Outlawintriguedbyu-Fits here and usually tries hard. Wiseman sticks, he's hot and should be able to work a trip.
My Ticket
Race 8) 2,4,7,8
Race 9) 1,6,7
Race 10) 1,2,7/
Race 11) 2,5,6
Total Ticket Cost) $21.60 for $0.20
Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia.