by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Sacramento Harness Association

A mixture of claimers and conditioned horses, on both gaits, were in the spotlight on Saturday night (September 8) at Cal-Expo, in which Bob Lee closed from last to first on the pace, and Writer exploded the tote-board on the trot.

In the $4,800 pace for $8,000 to $12,000 claimers with a condition added on, Bob Lee and driver Luke Plano would find themselves shuffled to last in the final-turn after starting from post-position three in the field of seven. Moving to the outside to follow cover to the three-quarters, Plano would move his charge four-wide for the drive where the pair would close strongly to win ($13.20) by a half of one length. Owned by Maurice Sigmon and trained by George Reider, Bob Lee would stop the timer at 1:54.2, thus equaling a lifetime best. Larry Horse (Rick Plano) closed nicely in the lane despite being outclosed by the winner and finished in second, and Titan Seelster (Tim Clevenger), who had a long first-over trip, was a game third, another 1-1/4 lengths back.

In a $4,800 condition trot that had a claiming tag added on, Writer and driver Steve Desomer clearly had lady-luck on their side. Coming away in the pocket to the pace-setting Trot For Rock (Rocky Stidham), it appeared that Trot For Rock had the race sealed up in the lane when he opened up a commanding lead in the upper-stretch. Unfortunately for Trot For Rock, he’d made a break to the seven-eighths mile pole that saw Writer inherit a huge lead while now on her way to an easy five length win. Bred and owned by the Desomer Stables, and trained by Vickie Desomer, Writer would light up the board at $95.00, while scoring in 1:57.2, a lifetime best. Irish Whiskey (Ed Hensley) won the nose photo for second, and Trot For Rock, who would get back to trotting past mid-stretch, would come back to almost get second after his win costing miscue, but had to settle for third.

Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday (September 13), continuing through Saturday. Post-time each night is scheduled at 5:35 (PDT).

Cal-Expo offers Guaranteed $10,000 pools on all Pick-4’s.