by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — In addition to being closing night, Saturday evening’s (June 18) program at Cal Expo will find the final leg of the TVG Get Away Amateur Driver series. With four races in the books, the eighth and tenth contests on the evening will round out the event.

“This series has been super so far,” related participant Dave Siegel, president of the California Amateur Driving Club and a major force behind these popular events. “Last week Amanda Fraser got her first pari-mutuel win and she’s second in the standings, only a fraction of a point behind Karen Isbell. We also had a one-two-three female finish with Sue Boyce in one of these races.”

Siegel is particularly proud of the sponsorship and handle figures for the series. Television Games Network is an important supporter and has been providing coverage of the Get Away Series.

“We have had near meet-high handles on these races,” Siegel noted. “It shows how good amateur racing can be for the participants, fans and horsemen, when it’s properly supported.”

This is the third leg of the Get Away Series. While Laredos Goose has been able to win both of his starts in the series, four different drivers have posed for pictures.

Nick Casale handled Laredos Goose for trainer George Reider in the first leg, while Amanda Fraser recorded her first lifetime victory when she guided the pacer to a 10 length romp last weekend. As luck would have it, Fraser has once again landed the drive on Laredos Goose in the eighth race.

Dave Siegel and Karen Isbell have accounted for the other two races.

Rounding out the pilots for the Get Away series are Bennie Mancino, Sue Boyce, Rick Bertrand and Keith Willey.

Planos to be honored

Congratulations to Luke Plano for leading driver honors and Rick Plano for leading trainer for the 2010-2011 fall-spring combined meetings. Both Luke and Rick are repeat winners in their respective categories.

Alan Horowitz of the California Harness Horsemen’s Association will present plaques in recognition of the accomplishments between races on Saturday’s closing-night program.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (June 16) and continues through closing night Saturday (June 18). Post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PDT). Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6 p.m.