By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness
Major Al-mar, fresh from
posting a 9-1 upset last week, figures to get more respect at the windows this
time around as he heads the field for Saturday night’s featured $5,500
conditioned Trot.
Watch and Wager LLC will
present 14 races with first post set for 4:55 p.m. The main event is set as the
fifth on the program.
A 4-year-old son of Money
Talks out of the Andover Hall mare Vestal Hanover, Major Al-mar is owned by
Vikki Pfeilsticker and Amy Fichtner, hails from the Rick Bertrand shedrow and
will once again have Cordarius Stewart giving directions.
Stewart was guiding the
sidewheeler for the first time since they joined forces at Oak Grove in
Kentucky back in November. After having to settle for a couple of minor awards
in his first four appearances at this meet, Major Al-mar put it all together
last time and rewarded his backers at a nice price.
Leaving from the outside post
in the field of seven, he was parked to the lead at the quarter, withstood a
strong bid on the final bend and early stretch and gamely re-rallied to prevail
by a head.
Flameon and Mshindi, who were
second and third, respectively, in that affair are back in the cast and will
obviously have a big say in the outcome. Mshindi was sent off the 1-2 choice
that night and was only beaten a half-length for the whole thing.
Taking on this trio are
Jesse’s Student, Glenferrie Dreamer, MD Magic, Bringthegold and
Teachmehowtotry.
Mandatory payouts,
reduced takeout wagers spice action
Saturday being the closing
night of the first portion of the 2020-21 Watch and Wager LLC meeting, there
will be mandatory payouts in all wagers on the program.
Great value can be found as
there are three wagers offered each night that come with a reduced 16 percent
takeout rate – the 20-cent early and late Pick 5 and the 20-cent Pick 4.
A reminder that beginning
next week, Cal Expo will be switching to a Saturday and Sunday night schedule.
***
Congratulations to Best Dream
Seeker, who ended up on the right end of the photo with Nick Roland in last
Saturday night’s first race, giving the veteran his 44th lifetime
victory from 454 starts.
The pacing son of Cambest
takes his lessons from Rick Bertrand, who co-owns along with Vikki Pfeilsticker
and Amy Fichtner and has had the hard-hitting performer for the last two and a
half years.
Because he turns 15 years old
next week, Best Dream Seeker will face mandatory retirement, but will remain at
the Bertrand barn to assist joggers and help with teaching the babies.
Best Dream Seeker will suit
up one more time in Saturday night’s fourth race before calling it a career.
