By Mark
Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness
Saturday night’s finale of the Bob
Gordon Pacing series is named for the noted driver/trainer and track executive
who passed away at the age of 65 in 2006.
Bob Gordon started his 40-year career in
Ohio and learned his lessons under the outstanding horseman Bob Farrington. He
eventually settled in California and was a mainstay at the top of the trainer
standings from the late 70’s through the early 90’s, conditioning such stars as
Stand By N, Theora Hanover and Pack Leader.
Stand
By N raced under the banner of Bob and Loretta Staats stable and she was his
all-time favorite. The Down Under import had a 1:52 career standard and banked
$255,000 in a brilliant career on the racetrack, then went on to be an equally
outstanding broodmare. She was inducted in the California Hall of Fame in 2010.
Bob Gordon was a past president of the Western Harness Standardbred Association and the California Harness Horse Breeders’ Association, while in the early 90’s he served as a director of the USTA. He was president of Premier Harness Racing, which raced at Los Alamitos, and was instrumental in keeping the sport alive in California in the mid 90’s at a time when harness racing was definitely on the ropes.
Bob Gordon was also director of backstretch operations for the Sacramento Harness Association and helped in starting the not-for-profit corporation, which was operating at Cal Expo at the time of his death.
Steve and Vickie Desomer have fond memories of their many years side-by-side with Gordon. “When Steve broke his leg in a racing accident, we turned the horses over to Bob,” she recalled. “It was the most fun we have had in the business … no stress and great results!
“By the way, in addition to be an
excellent horseman, Bob was always extremely good to his help. He
always looked out for them and helped in any way he could.”
Bob Gordon Series finale commands the spotlight
The
$10,600 finale of the Bob Gordon Pacing Series is the main event at Cal Expo
Saturday night, featuring five performers from the Gene Vallandingham barn
including Party Cove and Cocomara.
Gene
will guide Party Cove while Cocomara will have the services of Steve Wiseman.
The other Vallandingham trainees in the cast are Gonna Rock N Roll, Scarboro
Hanover and After Alimony, with the cast completed by Rag Doll, Orlando’s
Express, Bettermeboy and Kablooie.
Party
Cove has had to settle for second money in the first two legs, but will
definitely have his share of backers in the finale. The 3-year-old Party At
Artsplace gelding races for A Piece Of The Action LLC and registered
back-to-back scores over this layout last month prior to his two near-misses in
this series.
Cocomara
is a 3-year-old son of Lis Mara who also carries the banner of A Piece Of The
Action LLC and is looking for his fourth victory from heis last five
appearances here. He faltered after carving out all the fractions in the
opening leg, then came back last week to come from off the pace to win going
away.
Kablooie
denied Party Cove last week as a 9-1 shot and figures to get more respect this
time around after posting that lifetime-best 1:54 3/5 decision. The son of Hi
Ho Silverheel’s races for Harold Actkinson, takes his lessons from Bob Johnson
and will once again be handled by Mooney Svendsen.
The
co-feature is a filly/mare Invitational Pace headed by Show Runner. She is a
3-year-old daughter of Little Steven who is seeking her sixth straight victory
for owners Denise Maier and Eileen Brodbar and driver/trainer Tim Maier. She
has been putting her class and versatility on display during the course of this
winning streak, including two Sire Stakes scores and a pair of Invitational
victories.
BEGINNING THIS WEEK, THE PICK 4
GUARANTEE HAS BEEN RAISED TO $20,000 ON FRIDAYS AND $25,000 ON SATURDAYS
