A class rise to face the best horses on the grounds didn't stop Albion from repeating.
Winners-Over pacers, racing for a purse of $4,500, were featured at Cal Expo on Saturday night (March 31) over a sloppy track, on which Albion won for the 23rd time in his career.
In advance of starting from his assigned post-five in the field of six, driver Luke Plano backed up what the form book provided.
"I thought, based off of his current form, that he had as good a shot as anybody," said Plano.
With the field sent on their way, Albion came away in fifth position, but not for long.
"I figured I wouldn't rush him early since he was moving up in class, but with the pace being slow, I decided to head him to the front."
On the move well after 3-16ths of a mile into a :29 opening quarter, the six year-old cleared to the lead past the three-eighths mile station, whereupon Plano grabbed a hold of his pacer who appeared to be pacing easily despite pacing a second-quarter individually timed in :27.1, into a :57.2 first-half.
"The second-quarter was wind-aided, so I didn't feel like I used him all that hard. He felt pretty comfortable and I thought I was in good shape."
Urging his charge once to the five-eighths mile pole and getting a response while having a hold of his pacer, Plano soon chased after his horse midway through the final-turn, all with a reason.
"I figured if I had enough real-estate by the time I got to the lane, combined with the headwind in the stretch, that it would be hard for the other guys to make up ground on me. When I urged him on the turn, he responded well and was quite strong and doing everything I asked."
On top by two-lengths and being urged at the three-quarter mile marker, timed in 1:25.3, Plano was optimistic, but mother-nature kept him alert.
"He still felt pretty good at the three-quarters and I thought my chances were solid, but with the wind being a little heavy - - it made it hard to gauge where everybody was at - - so I kept after him."
Still asking with less than 3-16ths of a mile to go and opening up the lead, Plano could now resort to just moderate urging as there'd be no catching his gelding.
"He was pacing full and I thought I had the race pretty well wrapped up, but I just wanted to make sure he kept to his task, and he did."
Owned by Dan Tullio & James Mascola in partnership with trainer Matias Ruiz, Albion won ($3.40) by 4-1/4 lengths, in 1:54. Marlin Hanover (Scott Cisco) finished in second, and Amigo De Garcia (Steve Wiseman) finished a half of one-length father back, in third.
"I expected a solid effort from him and that's what I got. He has been sharp all along and raced very well up in class," finished Plano, who recorded four victories on the 15-race program.
Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (April 6) & Saturday (April 7) at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). 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.
