by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Taxi Dancer has been very photogenic of late, as she’s returned to greet owner Robin Clements and trainer Vickie Desomer in the winner’s circle following three of her last four outings.

The dark-hued daughter of Givemewhatineed said goodbye to 2010 in style on New Year’s Eve with a last-minute burst for Lemoyne “Mooney” Svendsen, then came back last weekend to rally from double-digits off the pace in another Silky Sullivan performance.

“I told Mooney the other night that Taxi is in the groove right now,” Clements related following the most recent snapshot. “She’s quirky, and you have to spoil her and let her have her way or at least do what is comfortable for her.”

Taxi Dancer’s normal schedule finds her spending most of her time at the Desomer Farm, because she has a distinct dislike for staying at the racetrack. Instead of being cooped up in a stall, there she gets to roam a grass paddock that she shares with constant companion Tutiming Gal.

“She actually hates to stay in a stall here at the track and will dig holes to China,” Clements explained. “She’s a very nervous horse, and has had issues with tying up as well. I have been bringing her and Tutiming Gal back to the farm after the races, even if it meant they had to stay in the stall due to all the rains we’ve been having.”

Despite not getting as much range time as usual, Taxi Dancer is going in great form for Svendsen as she just sits back and surveys the situation for a half-mile, then kicks into high gear when things get serious.

“Her nerves can get the best of her,” Clements said. “When that happens, she doesn’t feel like dancing and will just sit on the bench, but when she’s feeling good she’ll rock the night away. I don’t know how long this is going to last, because all it takes is a leaf to be the wrong way in front of her and she’ll go back to being nervous, but for right now we’re enjoying the ride.”

Fakeutu Bluegrass headlines Peter Lobell

Fakeutu Bluegrass, a punctual even-money choice off a pocket trip last week, and Vic The Brick, who had pace-setting duties that night, get the top billing in Friday night’s (Jan. 14) second leg of the Peter Lobell series for pacers.

Fakeutu Bluegrass is a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred miss who carries the banner of Linda Magnusson and is reined and trained by Tim Maier. Invading from Indiana Downs, she posted a solid qualifier here at the end of the year and off the strength of that mile and her Indiana form she was heavily backed in last week’s opening leg.

Maier used the cozy one-hole to good advantage, leaving into a two-hole journey behind Vic The Brick, who motored to the top from his outside slot in that affair. The latter showed the way to the stretch with a clear advantage, but could not contain Fakeutu Bluegrass when push came to shove as that one prevailed by a length in a 1:58.3 tour.

Vic The Brick is a Hi Ho Silverheel’s offspring who races for Elleon Hyman with Steve Hyman doing the driving and training. He had a solid month of December, rattling off three straight victories, including a 1:57.2 lifetime mark, and put in a big mile in the first leg of the Peter Lobell.

Hyman left smartly with his charge from the outside, carved out the fractions without challenge, then tried to fight back when the pocket sitter attacked but had to settle for the second-place check while finishing one length in front of Art Of Arts.

The latter is a Power Of Art mare who has finished in the show spot in three straight appearances. Dario Solares owns and trains with Tony Succarotte once again handling the lines and she figures to once again be in a stalking position behind the two favorites.

Completing the field are W D Cowboy Justice for Quentin Schneider, Desired Result with Ralph Silvestri III and C’Mon Sweet Mariah, who leaves from the outside slot with Rocky Stidham giving directions. A 13-race card is set, with the Peter Lobell going as the third on the evening.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (Jan. 13) and continues through Saturday (Jan. 15). Post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PST). Post time on Friday and Saturday is at 6 p.m.