This evening, Cal Expo has another challenging Pick 4 on tap, and it will be my focus. The sequence starts again in Race 8 and this time has a $40,000 guaranteed pool. Friday's Pick 4 pool was over $49,000 and there's no reason to think it won't be higher tonight.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 8

2-Marilyn (7/2)-Has been off since 2-29 but if ready should be a threat from this post in a race without a standout. Barn has won their share and Kennedy knows how to work a trip. Usually gets bet when ready to play.
3-La Diva De Rosa (5-1)-Steps down to a better spot and Bertrand barn was good last night. Does need a trip but can pass foes down the lane if Cutting puts her into striking range.
4-Sing Along (5/2)-Comes off a sharp win on a sloppy track versus $3k claimers. Knows how to win and should be a threat. But at this class and at a short price will look to others too, for a better Pick 4 payout.
5-Place At the Beach (6-1)-Taking a swing on the drop, the Magee-Longo combo worked last night with a similar set-up. Won at this class on 2-21 and 10-year-old can do it again. Hoping the price won't be any lower than the morning line.

Race 9

1-Sin Machqueen (5-1)-Nice effort in 1st start off the bench and now stakes a slight bump up but gets post relief. Raced the back half in 55.3 last week. Cutting should get a ground saving trip and could score at a fair price.
5-Herecomesthethunder (7/2)-Has been on the bench since 1-17 but qualifier from last week was solid. Thinking Roland will put in play early and be there at the wire.
8-Ramsay (8-1)-Raced better when Svendsen drove last week in 1st start after being freshened up. Could offer a nice price from this post and was Svendsen's choice over #4.
10-Wet Shark (6-1)-Won off an injured scratch when dropped to the basement and edged stablemate #8. Magee is in the bike again and should be in the mix with this bunch. Post draw helps the price.

Race 10

6-Lodi Eat My Dust (8/5)-1st start on the barn change to Plano was a win on a sloppy track at odds of 1/2. That was the only victory in 11 tries on an-off track and will string along here.
7-Custards Dungeon (7/2)-Missed a start before last and finished 3rd from the 9-hole to #6. Can handles this crew when good and the shorter field doesn't hurt chances.

Race 11

2-Cantholdmebackmack (8/5)-Tried to wire the field into a headwind in the stretch and faded in the late going. Not sure how much the wind hurt and is only 3-33. But this is Plano's choice over #5, so will respect in a race with a suspect field.
4-Gunny Wilson (8-1)-Roberts was able to pass a few down the stretch in last at a 31-1. Could pick up 1st CalX win with the right trip at a juicy price.
7-Burntisland Billy (9/2)-Has been off since 2-28 but this is the spot for a rare win if fires off the bench. Roland's choice over #3 could take a picture at a solid price.

My Ticket

Race 8) 2,3,4,5

Race 9) 1,5,8,10

Race 10) 6,7

Race 11) 2,4,7

Total Ticket Cost) $19.20 for $0.20

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