Cal Expo completes the weekend with a 12-race card. The 0.20 Pick 4 begins in Race 9 and it has a $25,000 guaranteed pool. The sequence has a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 9

1-Along Came Jane (12-1)-Interesting race, 2 horses drop and 6 bump up in class as is the case with Jane. She sat inside and got sucked along in last and then was caught behind others down the lane but probably wouldn't have won. Using at this price and hoping this mare won't be over bet.
2-Little Emma (6-1)-Steps-up off a win assisted by a nice trip but did pace the back half in .57. Slow starter needs a good steer and Plano must avoid being too far back.
3-Triple Thick Shake (15-1)-Seems to find ways to lose but does try hard. Gets a nice post to get an efficient trip. One-move type who needs to be put in play at the right time. Chappell's choice over the 6 is worth a swing versus this crew at the morning line price.
6-Noisy Nora (7/2) -Came flying home off a slow pace and now Cutting takes the lines. Is 1 for 37 over the past 2 years but will use and try to beat the 2-1 program chalk #5.

Race 10

5-Pondas Prospect (3-1)-Roland takes a seat behind the other entry from the Plano barn. Has been cashing checks versus straight Open company and could get a smooth trip here.
8-Trashytonguetalker (6-1)-This 9-year-old has tailed off the last few years. Steps up after winning 2 straight and could grind his way into the hunt. Can stay good for a while but fate will likely depend upon an alert start and getting a decent seat.

Race 11

1-Vicious Aloicious (2-1)-Drops to the lowest level of the meet and is one step from the basement. Form has been dull, not
a fan of the short price but risky to leave off the ticket.
5-Frewil Dakota Sven (9/2)-Has faded down the lane in last 3 starts after being used hard. Drops, Kerwood steers for the 2nd straight race and maybe he can ration speed and seal the deal.
7-Mystic Ruler (9/5)-Roland jumps into the bike and that's a ++ driver change. Similar to #1 but did race in NW750 at the beginning of the meet and couldn't win at that level. Maybe luck will change as fits better with this crew.

Race 12

4-Lamy Chops (3-1)-Is a dismal 1-27 and 0-17 in 2020-21 but the entire field is camera shy. Banking on Cutting putting into play and making a well-timed move down the lane.
7-Joltin Joe (7/2)-Broke slowly in last 2 but now Roland gets back aboard. Looking for a big try and a better steer.

My Ticket

Race 9) 1,2,3,6

Race 10) 5,8

Race 11) 1,5,7

Race 12) 4,7

Total Ticket Cost) $9.60 for $0.20

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