It
is said that trotters get better with age, which is backed by the 11 year-old
Alpine Hawk who now has 10 wins on the year and 50 in his career.
Winners-Over
trotters, racing for a purse of $6,800, were featured at Cal Expo on a hot
Friday night (June 1), on which the well taken care of Alpine Hawk won his
third in the last four.
Coming
away sixth from post five in the field of seven, driver Rich Wojcio was by no
means complaining when four of his opponents were across the track into the
first-turn into a :28.4 opening quarter.
"I
was happy that they were actually racing a little early because obviously that
would help my chances later," stated Wojcio.
Remaining
in sixth position as no one moved in the second-quarter, Wojcio still wasn't
complaining at the half-mile pole.
"I
was very happy with the :58 half because I thought it was a very fair half for
the caliber of horses. As a result I
thought my chances were still very good."
Moving
first-over past the half-mile juncture and making a decent and rated final-turn
gain, Wojcio and his charge were still four-lengths off the lead at the
three-quarter mile station, timed in 1:27.4.
"At
that point I obviously didn't know if I was going to win or not, but I still
had horse and thought I still had a good chance of winning from there."
Brushing
up late in the final turn and quickly moving to within 1-1/2 lengths of the
lead of the pace-setting Putoneonnetformom (Jeff Cimini) with 3-16ths of a mile
to go, the gelding soon moved fast to the lead with a little more than an
eighth of a mile to trot.
When
he cleared Putoneonnetformom, he jumped right back up on the bit and felt real
good, but I was concerned with Giles L S Hanover (Jim Lackey) because he had
the better trip following me as I had done all the work. But, I had rated my horse from the time I
pulled him and hadn't urged him yet."
In
front by 1-1/2 lengths with the field approaching mid-stretch, Wojcio didn't
have to resort to urging his trotter until late.
"He's
a very honest hard trying horse who really likes to win and you have to fight him to beat him
- - but he digs in late - - which is what he did tonight when I got after him
late."
Owned
by Jim Winske and trained by Gordie Graham, Alpine Hawk held on to win ($4.40)
by a half of one-length, in 1:57.2, a seasonal best. Giles L S Hanover finished a clear second,
and Broadway Victory (John Mc Keon Jr.) finished five lengths farther back, in
third.
"I
thought he put in an excellent effort and is an absolute pleasure to
drive. I can't thank my girlfriend
Meredith enough for the undying dedication of doing everything for this horse -
- which is absolutely the reason that he tries so hard! As far as getting his 50th win, I'm happy for
him because he shows up every week and puts in his best effort win or
lose. The 50 wins are well deserved,”
concluded a proud Wojcio.
Live
racing continues at Cal Expo on Saturday (June 2) at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). On Saturday, Cal Expo offers Happy Hour from
4:00-7:00 p.m. on which Beer; Well Drinks & Wine are offered at $4 each,
while Hotdogs, Fries & Sodas are offered at $2 apiece. Saturday night’s action includes a simulcast
of the $200,000 Dan Patch Invitational Pace from Hoosier Park, one of the
highlights of the sulky season in Indiana.
Post time for the race is 6:10 Pacific Time and a field of nine will go
post ward in what may be the most competitive field ever assembled for the
event.
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.
