by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Midwest-based trainer George Anthrop is making his third invasion of California, having previously campaigned his performers in the Golden State in 1997 and then again in 2007.

“It seemed like the time was right,” explained Anthrop. “I’ve got 10 out here at Cal Expo right now and another five will be coming in soon. I’m really looking forward to racing here again, because the people have always been very nice.”

A couple of Anthrop’s 3-year-olds will be prepping for stakes races this summer in Kentucky, including a colt named Doc’s Zippy who won four of his 12 starts last season, and he has his conditioner thinking big things in the future.

“He’s a full brother to a real nice one we had named Doc’s Cilla, and he’ll be getting ready for some big races back in Kentucky. The plan is to qualify him in a couple of weeks and then get some miles under him before he ships back.”

Anthrop is also pretty high on Western Tower, who is set to make his California debut in Saturday night’s feature where he will line up against the likes of Haggin Oaks, Marlin Hanover and One And Only. This one sports a 1:52.4 mark at Colonial Downs, and it will be interesting to see how he fits with the top guns at this stand.

When asked about the best performers he’s ever had in the barn, a somewhat familiar name comes up in King Country, who began his career at Cal Expo and was a sire stakes hero before moving his base to the East.

“I claimed him for $5,500 and he ended up winning over $200,000 for us and set a track record at Balmoral. We also had a real nice one named Rusty Water. He set three different track records and had a 1:50 mark.”

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Friday (March 9) and Saturday (March 10) at 6 p.m. (PST).