by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — The record shows that Mar Dream has had to settle for the runner-up spot in his last four starts at Cal Expo, but it certainly hasn’t been for lack of trying.

The 6-year-old son of Cambest, who races for the team of owner William Neumeister, trainer Bob Johnson and pilot Mooney Svendsen, won his first two starts at this meet while racing with modest conditioned company and has spent his last four outings squaring off against the best on the grounds in the Open Pace.

“Bill bought him back in September in Indiana from Greg Wright,” Johnson informed. “He was a little disappointing for us back there, but he’s thrived since he’s come out here and gone some really nice miles.”

Two weeks ago, Mar Dream played the role of stalker and came up a neck short of catching heavily-favored A Real Miracle. In his most recent appearance, he turned in a solid first-over effort and fell a half-length short of holding off the Canadian invader Cenalta Power.

“I thought he could have won that race two back if he got out just a bit earlier, and his last race was very game because he was taking the worst of it,” Johnson noted. “Mooney said he absolutely raced his guts out last time.

“This is a class horse with a 1:50.2 mark. He’s come into his own here and I think the combination of the weather and the track are the main reasons. I’m looking forward to racing him some more.”

Mar Dream, Cenalta Power, who made an impressive local debut in last week’s clash at the head of the class, and beaten favorite A Real Miracle get a rematch in Saturday’s Open Pace, which headlines the 12-race program. First post is 6:10 p.m.

A reminder that racing is now being conducted under the Watch and Wager LLL banner on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Beginning Dec. 26, Friday night action will be added to the mix.