by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Berkshire is fresh from back-to-back wins at Cal Expo for trainer Frank Petrelli and regular pilot Steve Wiseman, putting his class and versatility on display by prevailing on the front end two weeks ago and then reverting to late heroics for his most recent victory.

Berkshire originally carried the banner of the late Ron Lingle, who passed away last month, and now is owned by Frank’s wife Jennifer.

“Mr. Lingle loved this horse so much that he had a tattoo of him on his arm. He cared about all his horses, but he especially appreciated the ones that tried hard each and every time, and that’s Berkshire.

“He’s certainly the nicest trotter I’ve ever had. He can be pretty hard on himself and has his issues here and there, but when they come up we just give him the time he needs.”

Petrelli learned a lesson early on with this son of Revenue S that has served him well.

“One of the first days we had him, he was getting a bath and he struck out at me. I didn’t know what to think, but my wife figured out that he just wanted attention. After that he got plenty of it, and that and lots of bananas are the secret with this horse.”

Another very important part of the equation is Wiseman, who has proven to be the perfect partner for Berkshire.

“Steve has pretty much been his exclusive driver since he got here, and has even chosen him over some very nice trotters. He has a way with horses and gets along great with them.”

Berkshire is back in action in Saturday night’s (June 11) feature, leaving from the middle of a seven-horse field with Wiseman once again doing the honors. He should be a tough customer, no matter how things shake out early.

Saturday night will find the second leg of the TVG Get Away Amateur Driver Series, with the event concluding on closing night, Saturday, June 18. Free TrackMaster past performances for both these programs will be available at www.trackmaster.com/calx.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (June 9) and continues through Saturday (June 11). Post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PDT). Post time on Friday and Saturday is 6 p.m.