Cal Expo has an 11-race card set to go this evening. The 0.20 Pick 4 begins in Race 8 and will be my focus. The sequence has a $30,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

1-Mr Varsity (8-1)-Drops to a spot to shine for Team Plano. Using and hoping the morning line odds are accurate.
4-Gorgeous For Real (6-1)-Also drops into a good spot and tuned up with a nice qualifier. Looking for a big try in 1st start coming off the bench for small barn with a good batting average.
5-Almost Cut My Hair (5-1)-Went off as a lukewarm chalk in last and started slowly. Looking for Svendsen to be more aggressive from this post and put in play early. Could beat this field at a fair price.
8-Coz And Effect (7/2)-Stuck outside again but did rally with a big effort from the 9-hole last week. Best to respect again, could stay good and brush by with another strong surge.

Race 9

1-Reys N A Ruckus (12-1)-Price shot who seems to fit with these. Will toss last and look for a return to recent form. Races well when forwardly placed, could make the most of the post draw and trip out.
6-Platinum Time (9/2)-Might be overlooked at the windows and could leave and get a good seat. Recent form has been sharp and may offer a nice return.
7-California Rock (3-1)-Has been extremely consistent all meet and will respect chances in quest for 3rd straight pictures. Using but looking toward others to pump up the Pick 4 payout.

Race 10

2-Getter Queen Flush (6-1)-Has been racing well and now gets some needed post relief. Best to not overlook, should be in the hunt at a square price.
5-Magnifique (3-1)-Makes 2nd start at this level since dropping out of Opens and being out of action since 1/3. Draws well and Plano should have this mare dialed on high.

Race 11

1-Pancetta (5/2)-Drops to the lowest level of the meet. The 1-25 record is an issue, but this is a spot to wake up and was Plano's choice over #5.
2-In For The Chase (3-1)-Dropped and popped last week from the 9-hole and now is right back at the same class. Does lose Svendsen but Magee can provide a good steer.
4-My Friskie Boy (10-1)-Has been in the mix versus this kind. Longo can save ground and look to pop with one big move down the lane at a juicy price.

My Ticket

Race 8) 1,4,5,8

Race 9) 1,6,7

Race 10) 2,5

Race 11) 1,2,4

Total Ticket Cost) $14.40

Check me out on Twitter, @AlCimaglia