Cal Expo starts the weekend with a 9-race card. The 0.20 Pick 4 begins in Race 6 and will be my focus. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool and a 16% takeout.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6

7-Mr Varsity (7/2)-Plano trainee had a quick back half but couldn't catch the leader. Barn has been doing well and looking for an aggressive move to get the top.
8-Rockin Eddie (8-1)-Looking for a price shot, that mile in Kentucky was a stunner. Anything close to that effort puts this gelding in line for another picture.
9-Bettor In The Bank (5/2)-Usually would pass a short price, winner of two straight taking a double bump up from the 9-hole. But this 9-year-old is the class of the field, has won 20 of 45 in Sacramento and could stay good in 3rd start off the bench.

Race 7

1-Surprisingly Sweet (9/2)-Makes second start of the meet and from this post could hang around and make one big move to sweep by late. Best to respect and is no stranger to the CalX winner's circle.
2-No Gurantees (12-1)-Taking a swing although moves up in class and is only 1 for 21 this year, also ML chalk #5 is 1-25. Has raced from the back in two starts here and paced a big second half last week. Might surprise with the right trip.
5-Marilyn (5/2)-Beaten chalk hasn't been used hard in either start here. Maybe tonight is the time for a big try and will respect connections.
7-Getter Queen Flush (9/2)-Plano is in the bike for this contest and that should help. The Queen is trip dependent and now has a pilot who can work the right trip.

Race 8

1-Crusin For You (6-1)-Failed as a well bet chalk last time but Svendsen does stick. This is a 1 1/2-mile race, should be forwardly placed and could be rolling late.
7-Al's Briefs (4-1)-Plano trainee improved in second start at the meet. Paced a big last half and just missed catching a sharp winner. Another strong effort wouldn't be a surprise.
8-Blue Star Maverick (3-1)-Got on the engine and didn't look back in last. May need to follow a different script this time but best to not overlook.
9-Buzz Light (9/2)-Drops and might be able to overcome the outside post with the added distance. Team Roland trainee can pass foes down the lane and could find some live cover.

Race 9

7-Panedictine (6-1)-Magee's choice over #10 has never raced at CalX. 9-year-old should like the company and could win at a square price if fires hot off the bench.
9-Giggle Monster (9/2)-Has only one win this year but that came off a sharp effort right here on 11/9. Fits well with this crew and post makes the price in a race without a standout.

0.20 Pick 4

7,8,9/1,2,5,7/1,7,8,9/7,9
Total Bet=$19.20

Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia