Calx1 - Sharp Pacers Square Off In Saturday Cal Expo Headliner

Cycle Power, who is going in career form at the moment with back-to-back victories in impressive style; and Albion, who has gone some monster miles of late at Cal Expo, are among the major players in Saturday’s (March 31) $4,500 Winners-over Pace.

Set to take on this sharp pair are the classy mare Haggin Oaks, One And Only, Marlin Hanover and Amigo De Garcia.  The race goes as the third on a 15-race program.

Cycle Power is a 6-year-old son of Cambest and the Life Sign mare Life Cycle who is owned and trained by Nathalie Tremblay.  He came into his March 17 assignment in an optional seller having clicked just one in his first eight appearances on the year, but has really come around in the few weeks.

He exploded late over a sloppy track to collar heavily-favored Albion that night with James Kennedy guiding, then returned to pull an $18 surprise at the top rung at most recent asking.  Lemoyne Svendsen handled the reins in that last decision and will be back for Saturday’s joust.

They sat patiently for a half, made a huge move while wide off the final bend and proved clearly best through the lane with two and a quarter lengths to spare.  It will be interesting to see if Cycle Power can keep the streak alive this weekend.

Albion is a son of The Panderosa who carries the banner of Dan Tullio, James Mascola and trainer Matias Ruiz.  The dark-hued performer has returned to the charmed enclosure following five of his 11 appearances on the year, including a seven-length romp at most recent asking with Luke Plano handling the lines.  He is closing in on $100,000 in earnings and recorded his 1:52.4 mark here in February.

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Congratulations to Jim Lackey, who has been nominated to represent the United States Trotting Association in the 25th International Harness Drivers Championship that will be raced at the historic Moscow Hippodrome on April 14 and 15.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (March 30) & Saturday (March 31) 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.