Albion figures to have more than his share of backers at Cal Expo when he suits up for Saturday night’s (March 17) pacing headliner after posting a devastating victory at this same level last week for trainer Matias Ruiz and pilot Luke Plano.
The 6-year-old son of The Panderosa carries the banner of his trainer, Dan Tulio and James Mascola and is eying his fifth snapshot on the season after making 10 trips to the charmed enclosure last season from 33 appearances, including a 1:51.1 career-best tour.
“We claimed this horse with Lou Pena last summer at Chester,” Ruiz informed. “He raced a few times back there before getting hurt, then we brought him to Cal Expo. He’d been racing from behind over the five-eighths track at Chester, which can be tough, and we thought he would do better over the mile track.”
While Albion rallied from last to account for his February 18 victory here, last week’s romp was accomplished in front-end style. A two-length lead turning for home became four lengths at mid-stretch and then seven and three-quarters when he hit the line in 1:53.3 to the delight of the chalk players.
“He has some problems, but he tries hard every time,” his mentor said. “As far as tactics go, I leave that up to Luke. I tell him my job is to get him ready, and your job is to win.”
