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Friday, February 1, 2013

CalX1 - Friday Barn Notes


BILL CONLIN SERIES ENTICES GOLD DEUCE


By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness

The first leg of the Bill Conlin Pacing series is in the spotlight at Cal Expo Saturday night, with Gold Deuce heading a contentious field of nine. A 14-race program is on tap, with the Conlin set as the fifth on the evening.

Gold Duece will appreciate getting away from the streaking Oompa Loompa, a performer he has chased home in his last two outings. Prior to that, the son of I Scoot Hanover had recorded back-to-back scores in impressive fashion for driver/trainer Wiseman.

The dark-hued pacer is owned by Kathy Plested and Tyler Wiseman and established his 1:56 2/5 standard in his December 6 score here. Gold Deuce did the track-and-attack to perfection that night, then came back the following week to ride a live cover train en route to length tally.

Young American comes into this contest fresh from a nice runner-up effort behind Rd Iou and will have her share of backers. Oza Waddell II owns while Frank Petrelli drives and trains the daughter of American Ideal. She was a 1:55 4/5 victress at Running Aces last season and her last effort should have her legged up nicely for this assignment.

Rounding out the cast are Twentyone Guns with Scott Cisco; Red Zinfandel, Bruce Clarke; Major Marcus, to be handled by Rich Wojcio; Medoland Sapphire, Luke Plano; Wichadidja for Dave Siegel; Flash’s Camilla, Chip Lackey; and Old Blue for Mooney Svendsen.

 

WHICADIDJA READY TO STAKE HIS CLAIM


Don’t be surprised if you see Dave Siegel wearing a grin when he parades the 5-year-old pacer Whicadidja for Saturday night’s opening leg of the Bill Conlin Series.

Siegel co-owns the performer with Bob Thronson and Greg Robinson and admits that the Bernie Wolin trainee automatically puts him in a good mood when he climbs into the sulky.  “He’s a goofball that actually has me laughing half the time when I come out on the track. He cracks me up.”

Having said that, Siegel is quick to point out that Whicadidja is a serious player in the Conlin and is coming up to the series in perfect shape as he seeks his first Cal Expo snapshot after shipping in from Indiana late last year.

“We purchased him privately this fall with the intent of bringing him here and the allowance conditions for Indiana horses was a key part of it, so Chris (Schick) and Ben’s (Kenney) incentive clearly worked. He is very laid back around the Wolin barn, and even when he walks over to the paddock he is so easy going.

“He has a funny way about him, but is very good gaited and exceptionally soft in the mouth and easy to drive. He can be a little on the lazy side, reflective of his personality, but once it’s time to boogie he knows how to get in gear.”

Siegel noted he has left a couple of times with Whicadidja, including last week from the demanding 10 post, and he has motored nicely away from the gate. “He can race from the back or mid-pack and it’s been a nice surprise that he has improved every single start.

“Bernie has done a great job with him, including correcting a steering flaw we experienced in the first start, and he has him sharper than ever. I have to say I’ve driven horses with more talent, but never one who is so much fun.”

 

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Please note that beginning next week, Cal Expo will be racing two nights a week on Friday and Saturday. The following dates have been added to the schedule: Friday (May 17), Saturday (May 18), Friday (May 24), and Saturday (May 25).