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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Calx1 - Marlin Hanover, Haggin Oaks in Friday Night Spotlight At Cal Expo

Marlin Hanover, who has clicked in four of his nine starts on the year, including a coast-to-coast decision in last week’s top dance; and Haggin Oaks, who had a tough trip as the favorite in that affair, head the cast for Friday evening’s (March 23) $4,500 Winners-Over Pace at Cal Expo.

Marlin Hanover is a 5-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight who races for Richard Morita and David Yamada, takes his lessons from Liberio Pacheco and will again have Luke Plano handling the lines.

The bay performer rattled off three straight victories at the head of the class between January 21 and February 3, putting his versatility on display during the course of that streak, then had to settle for minor awards in his next three outings.

Marlin Hanover returned to his winning ways at most recent asking, zipping right to the front for Plano and posting a length and a quarter decision while equaling his career standard with the 1:53.4 final clocking.  He will be tough no matter how things shake out early this weekend.

Haggin Oaks was hung the mile while checking in fourth as the 4-5 favorite and will be looking for some revenge here.  The only mare in the cast, the 6-year-old daughter of Hi Ho Silverheels is owned and was bred by Shari Burns, Ferris Funk and Gerald Cimini with James Kennedy doing the driving and training.

The classy distaffer has recorded three wins from eight appearances on the year, with her most recent tally coming on February 25.  She was sent hard in that mile and made the lead midway on the first turn, took control of things on the backside and then held safe by a neck.  One And Only, Cycle Power and Amigo De Garcia complete the field.


Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (March 23) & Saturday (March 24) at 6:00 p.m. (PST).  On every live card, Cal Expo offers free parking & free admission after 4:30 p.m.   On Friday, Cal Expo offers Happy Hour from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on which Beer; Well Drinks & Wine are offered at $4 each, while a Burger with fries is offered at $5.

Cal Expo currently offers a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on all Pick 4’s.  Additionally, all Late Pick 4’s now come with an increased $20,000-guaranteed gross pool.  Also, the Friday Late Pick 4 will offer a 0% takeout on all winning wagers made on track or at Twinspires.com, while the Saturday Late Pick 4 will be broadcast on TVG.