An
Open Trot headed by stablemates Inside Broadway and Franks Best and a trio of
$10,000 California Sire Stakes share the marquee Friday night at the Watch and
Wager LLC meet at Cal Expo.
A
15-race card is on tap with first post set at 5:20. The Open Trot goes as the
eighth race on the evening, the Sire Stakes for 3-year-old pacing fillies
occupies the sixth spot while the other two stakes will be decided as
non-betting events prior to the regular program.
Inside
Broadway started off the new year in winning fashion by capturing the top dance
for the trotting set on January 3 for her owner/breeder/trainer Bob Johnson and
regular pilot James Kennedy. He made a huge move down the backside to go from
fifth to first and came home powerfully to seal the deal in a 1:58 flat
performance.
Franks Best is also owned, trained and was bred by
Johnson and is a half-brother to Inside Broadway with both being out of the
American Winner mare Inside Edition. An earner of over $185,000 with a 1:56 2/5
career standard, the 7-year-old has several Invite wins at the meet and will
once again be guided by Mooney Svendsen.
Rounding
out the field are Bet It All from the rail for Steve Wiseman; Rich Dessert with
trainer Tim Maier in the sulky; El Azteca, to be guided by Tyler Smith; and
Axel with Dave Siegel at the controls.
The
Sire Stakes for the sophomore pacing fillies will give that group their first
added-money opportunity at the meeting. Trainer Junior Wilkinson will send out
an uncoupled pair in Brewski, who has the inside slot with Tyler Smith; and
Clara Bea with Chip Lackey at the helm. They will be challenged by J’s
Littlerockstar, Merlot, De Valeria and Perfect Pitch.
The
other two Sire Stakes are for the trotting set. Kimmie Girl’s offspring
Freedombird looks to add another trophy to the mantle for trainer Gordie Graham
and pilot Luke Plano in the 4-year-old affair, while Ahh Panama is among the
major players in the 3-year-old contest.
