In addition to being a prominent standardbred owner, Lloyd Arnold operated the former Golden Bear Raceway in Sacramento and also bought Los Alamitos in the late 1980s, eventually selling the track to his partner Edward Allred.
Mr. Arnold was inducted into the California Harness Hall of Fame in April of 2008. He also enjoyed personal honors in 2001 when he was feted by the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters at their annual awards dinner and received the Owner of the Year Award from the U.S. Harness Writers' Association.
Chris Bardis said, “Harness Racing was one of Lloyd's great passions. He accomplished so much for the sport not only in California, but nationwide. He was ‘Mr. Harness Racing’.
“He conducted race meetings at Cal Expo, Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields, Del Mar, Pomona, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos. I know of no one else who has had a greater impact on the harness world.”
The $4,500 Lloyd Arnold Memorial is headed by Marlin Hanover and Amigo De Garcia, who were second and third, respectively, in last week’s clash at the head of the class behind the mare Haggin Oaks. Marlin Hanover was the 8-5 choice in that affair and had to be happy with the runner-up finish after getting a two-hole journey.
The 5-year-old Bettor’s Delight offspring carries the banner of Richard Morita and David Yamada, takes his lessons from Liberio Pacheco and will once again have Luke Plano giving directions. No matter how things shake out early, he is going to be a tough customer with his top mile.
Marlin Hanover recorded his most recent tally on December 17 as he brushed to command at the half and went on to a length and three-quarters decision as the 4-5 favorite. He was third in the December 31 gathering won by Haggin Oaks after having pace-setting duties, then completed the exacta behind that rival in his last appearance while going off the public choice.
Amigo De Garcia is going in sharp form at the moment and helps make things interesting. Steve Wiseman reins and trains the 5-year-old son of Little Steven for Robert Bacon and was third behind the aforementioned pair in last week’s get-together at this top level. He flew home to capture an optional claimer on December 31 and figures to be motoring again in the late stages.
Cycle Power clicked at this top rung in a 5-1 upset after stalking to the stretch and was runner-up to Haggin Oaks at next asking before finishing off the board in his last appearance. Nathalie Tremblay owns and trains the 6-year-old son of Cambest and James Kennedy has the assignment. He could easily bounce back with a big effort on Saturday.
The field is completed by Ivegotwhatuneed, who leaves from the rail for trainer Bob Johnson and pilot Lemoyne Svendsen; and One And Only, who is up in class off a sharp win and gives the Pacheco barn two looks at the outcome with Jim Lackey guiding. The Lloyd Arnold Memorial is scheduled as the second on a 12-race program.
Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (January 12) at 5:30 p.m. (PST) and continues on Friday (January 13) & Saturday (January 14) at 6:00 p.m. On Thursday and every live card, Cal Expo offers free admission, as well as free preferred & general parking after 4:30 p.m.
Cal Expo now offers a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on all Pick 4’s (Thursday/Friday nights in partnership with the USTA Strategic Wagering Committee). In addition, all Late Pick 4’s will come with a $10,000-guaranteed pool. On Saturday night, there will be a 0% takeout on successful Late Pick 4 tickets made at Cal Expo or at Twinspires.com.
