by Al Cimaglia
April 18, 2021
The feature at Cal Expo comes in Race 3 when 3-year-old colts and geldings battle for a $15,000 purse in California Sire Stakes action. The 0.20 Pick 4 starts in Race 8. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool and it will be my focus.
Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.
Race 8
1-Glen (6-1)-Qualified without hopples and drew off in 153.3 with a 27.4 last quarter. Loses Svendsen to #7 but Lackey shouldn't hurt chances. Makes 1st start for new barn and will take a swing the speed will be there tonight.
3-Johnny Ringo (5/2)-Comes off an even effort at 9/5 but might have been handled cautiously due to breaking stride in the previous start. Cutting could be more aggressive here and fits well with this group.
7-Sherwood (9/2)-Steps-up but comes off two big efforts for wins and both were at 1/9. Svendsen sticks and should offer a square price. Could leave and get the top, there isn't much gate speed in this field.
Race 9
1-Trinitysfancyfilly (7/2)-Did leave to get on the engine in the last two and the previous start was from post 8. Svendsen should get a good seat and might trip out for a picture.
3-Wizzel Stix (6-1)-Stayed inside in last but rolled home with a .56 back half and could get a cozy trip here. Looks worthy of a swing and might be overlooked at the windows.
4-Street Parade (5/2)-Had a good steer to shake loose off the rail to win last at 14-1. Kerwood could have this mare in striking range again. Needed to race wide down the lane but was still able to carry its speed to the wire.
5-Hi Fidelity (7/2)-Drops and that should help as there is a lot of room to improve with a 1-14 record in 2021. Plano needs to work a good trip and he has options from this post.
Race 10
3-Along Came Jane (3-1)-Has hit the board in 9 of 14 this year and has 2 wins and a pair of 2nd place finishes in the last 4 starts. One move type should be put in play by Cutting. Could follow #5 and look to roll by down the lane.
5-Steady Breeze (7/5)-The morning line choice is looking for 2 straight and should be a player. But doesn't offer any value so will look to others as well.
6-Lickcreek Speedway (9/2)-Slow starter broke stride in last and that happens every now and then. But when this mare minds her manners she is a threat. Has won 4 of 13 this year and the short field won't hurt chances.
Race 11
4-Blue Gem (9/5)-Winner of 4 straight and the last 2 were at this class. Has toyed with the field in the last 2 starts and will be a strong chalk tonight.
7-Future Delight (7/2)-These are $4k claimers and if #4 isn't dialed on high this is the most likely winner. Svendsen should be out and rolling to get on the engine and if he can steal a quarter or 2 an upset is more likely.
My Ticket
Race 8) 1,3,7
Race 9) 1,3,4,5
Race 10) 3,5,6
Race 11) 4,7
Total Ticket Cost) $14.40 for $0.20
Check me out on Twitter!