By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness
It wasn’t as easy as the 2-5
odds might lead one to believe, but the 3-year-old pacer Just B Talking got the
job done last week in a blanket finish for his owner/trainer/driver Gerry
Longo.
Just B Talking was a beaten
favorite in his Cal Expo debut on opening night when settling for an exacta
completion, then did his work in first-over fashion at most recent asking and
was on the right end of the photo finish.
“I bought him last month in Indiana,”
Longo informed. “I thought he had some good races and he had conditions, so it
figured he would do well out here.
“I blame myself for his
losing that first start, because I sat in too long with him and we got locked
in, but he was coming real strong at the end.
“To be honest, I didn’t think
he was as good in this last mile, but he got the win anyway. There’s a series
coming up for him in a few weeks and that’s what we’re pointing for right now.”
The 74-year-old has 13
performers under his care at Cal Expo and comes into this week’s action with
2,875 driving victories and over $12 million in earnings.
“My goal is to get to 3,000
wins,” he said. “I still love to come out every morning and work with the
horses, and as long as I can go out on the track at night and do a good job,
I’ll keep on driving.”
Pair of Opens,
Funicello Prep atop bill
The Annette Funicello Prep, a
Distaff Open Pace and an Open Trot share the spotlight Friday night at Cal
Expo.
There are 11 races on the
Watch and Watch and Wager LLC program with the action getting underway at
6:15p.m.
Dancer’s Fancy looms large in
the Annette Funicello Prep after scoring a nice victory on opening night. The
4-year-old mare carries the banner of Vikki Pheilsticker with Rick Bertrand
training and James Kennedy in the sulky.
Glad to Meet Ya figures to
have a strong say in the outcome despite having to do her work from the outside
post in the field of eight. The 3-year-old Disco Devil homebred races for
Billie Schwartz and Junior Wilkinson, with Wilkinson training and Luke Plano
handling the lines.
Completing the field are
Lookslikewemadeit, Sing N Sandi, Lickcreek Speedway, Thats How It Goes,
Rosebud’s First and Hot Dandy.
Looking at the Filly and Mare
Open, Fancy Little Girl should appreciate getting away from Capitol Hill after
chasing that stablemate home in the first two top dances for the division. The
dark-hued mare is owned by Benvenga Racing LLC, Taylor and Plested, hails from
the Kathie Plested shedrow and has Steve Wiseman guiding.
There are two wagers offered
here nightly with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick
5, which begins on the first race; and 20-cent Pick 4, which comes with a
$20,000-guaranteed pool on Fridays and $30,000 on Saturdays.
