by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Lily’s Hi Ho is one of the best developments in recent memory at Cal Expo, going from a modest pacer a few months ago to putting together a six-race winning streak. His most recent tally came in last week’s first leg of the Denali series, and he’ll suit up again Friday night (Feb. 4) as that event continues.

The 4-year-old son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s goes through his paces for the team of owner/trainer Bob Johnson and driver Lemoyne Svendsen, and on paper he and archrival Hi Ho Steverino stand out in this group.

Lily’s Hi Ho established his mark of 1:54.2 three weeks ago while going coast-to-coast that evening, then put his versatility on display last time when he came from far back after leaving from the No. 9 slot. He won going away by two lengths as the second choice to odds-on Hi Ho Steverino and kept his streak alive.

“Bob definitely found the key with this horse and he’s much better-gaited than he used to be,” Svendsen related. “Because he started going better, I was able to be more aggressive with him, and it all came together.”

While Lily’s Hi Ho came into last week’s first leg with his win skein of five, including victories in the Dec. 11 Sire Stakes Championship and the Courageous Red finale in the slop, Svendsen figured it was going to be far from an easy assignment.

“From where we started out there, and with Hi Ho Steverino drawn to our inside, I wasn’t sure how things were going to shake out. I asked Bob what I should do, and he just left it up to me.

“When we left out of there and I saw them five and six-deep for the lead, I knew I didn’t want any part of that and I just took him back. It’s nice when you have a horse who is as handy as he is, and still get a real nice kick in the stretch.”

Hi Ho Steverino is gunning for some revenge here after being hard-used up front last week and settling for the runner-up honors at seventy cents on the dollar. Another Hi Ho Silverheel’s offspring, he is owned and was bred by Rod Knittel with Rick Plano training and Luke Plano handling the lines.

Like his archrival, Hi Ho Steverino came into last week’s battle with a win streak, having recorded four in a row in front-end fashion. He was used early and again past the half last time, held the advantage in the stretch but was no match when Lily’s Hi Ho came calling and completed the exacta. He’s a multiple stakes winner of $68,000 with a 1:53.1 that was established two weeks ago.

Rounding out the field are Amigo De Garcia for Tim Maier; Dancing Barry, who gives Rick Plano two looks at the outcome with his trainer in the bike; Charlie Beans; Stylish Hanover for James Kennedy; and Marlin Hanover.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (Feb. 3) and continues through Saturday (Feb. 5). Post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PST). Post time on Friday and Saturday is at 6 p.m.