by Al Cimaglia
December 4, 2020
Tonight, the feature at Cal Expo comes in Race 9, the Alan Horowitz Final with a $20,000 purse. The 0.20 Pick 4 begins in Race 8. The sequence has a 16% takeout and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
1-Flash Me Baby (5/2)-Has raced from the back in both starts off the bench. Roland takes the lines on this 4-year-old mare he trains. Gets post relief and looks like a player.
2-Roaring Home (6-1)-Takes a drop after a needed start versus $6k claimers from the 10-hole. Gets a ++ driver change in Svendsen and was facing much better at Haw. May finally take a picture in 2020, currently 0-23.
6-Future Delight (9/2)-Not Plano's choice but Kennedy is no slouch and due to get hot. Dropped to the bottom level in last and got on the engine from the 7-hole and missed by only a head. This will be the 3rd start off the bench, should be tighter and could be overlooked at the windows.
Race 9
1-E R Vincent (5-1)-Got on the point early on, set a soft pace and didn't look back. Hoosier invader won CalX debut and best to respect chances for another picture.
2-Skyway Raider (9/2)-Corbin trainee followed a similar script as #1 but the pace was lively and was strong through the wire. This will be the 2nd start after a claim and looks like a major player.
3-Western Devil (15-1)-Plano steers for the Roland barn. Last week, broke slowly and sat at the back of the pack turning for home but then paced hard to the wire. Plano may leave and has enough gate speed to be put in play early.
6-Wild Again (3-1)-Roland steers his pupil in 3rd start off the bench. Should be in the mix but will need the right trip from out here and might be over bet.
Race 10
2-Fox Valley B Gump (3-1)-Was able to win last week at 9/5 with a 56.1 back half. Had been facing better and looks like a repeat is a distinct possibility but $3k claimers are often inconsistent so will include others.
3-Fly Away (6-1)-11-year-old needed last, was wide down the lane and was no match for #2. Plested trainee is usually in the mix at the wire versus this class and will look for a better try tonight.
8-Lincoln (6-1)-No one in this field has much gate speed and Kennedy should be able to get a decent seat. Veteran doesn't win often but this is the 3rd start off the bench, a soft spot and the price should be right to take a swing.
Race 11
5-Brighten Your Life (5/2)-Makes 2nd start since August and drops to a spot to shine. Usually races in the FM Open class and just missed last week versus the same. Should be ready for a picture if minds manners.
7-Dancingonthesand (6-1)-Comes off a sharp qualifier on 11/28, went the 2nd half in 56.2 and the last quarter in 27.1. Hasn't won in 2020 (0-10) but was facing Open company. Doesn't need to be fully dialed in to beat this crew.
My Ticket
Race 8) 1,2,6
Race 9) 1,2,3,6
Race 10) 2,3,8
Race 11) 5,7
Total Ticket Cost) $14.40 for $0.20
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