by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Sometimes you’re the windshield and sometimes you’re the bug, as the saying goes, and the 4-year-old pacer Amigo De Garcia has been a prime example in his last two appearances at Cal Expo for trainer Matias Ruiz.

Two weeks ago, Amigo De Garcia sat a stalking trip to the lane, but was caught in traffic and never got a chance to do his thing. In his most recent try, however, he was able to avoid trouble caused by a breaking leader and streaked home in :27.3 for Steve Wiseman while recording his sixth victory on the year.

“I got him when the spring meet ended,” Ruiz related. “He’s the type of horse who wants to sit back and come from off the pace, and sometimes that means you’re going to have trouble. He was boxed in and had no room two back, then got his chance last time and really came home strong for Steve.

“I know Tim (Maier) had some high hopes for this horse when he started out, but he pulled when he was younger. Now he’s getting a little more mature and he’s learned to relax, which really helps him.”

Amigo De Garcia is by Little Steven, out of the Precious Bunny mare Jethica Tandy, and was originally raced by his breeder Alan Kirschenbaum. Jethica Tandy has had two other foals to reach the races in the $140,000 multiple stakes winner Little Bit Country and the hard-knocking Little Gary Perry. Kirschenbaum also has a 2-year-old out of the mare named Littlest Mermaid who is scheduled to qualify in the next few weeks.

“Amigo De Garcia was named after my good friend Greg Garcia,” explained Kirschenbaum. “He created ‘Yes Dear’ with me and then went on to create ‘My Name Is Earl’ and ‘Raising Hope.’ His production company is called Amigos de Garcia, and the production card at the end of each of his shows features a photo of a different member of the crew, cast or production family wearing a sombrero.”

Last week, it was the four-legged Amigo De Garcia who was featured in a winner’s circle photo with Matias Ruiz and Steve Wiseman after turning on the afterburners and getting the job done.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (September 30) and Saturday (October 1) at 6 p.m. (PDT).