by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — Despite being saddled with the demanding No. 9 post in last week’s opening leg of the Joe O’Brien Series at Cal Expo, Bette Davis Eyes came through with flying colors for trainer George Anthrop and pilot Tyler Smith.

The 4-year-old Moxie offspring was unhurried early as is her custom, made a big move off the final turn and motored by the leaders with a :28 final quarter to seal the deal by two lengths. She also shaved a second and a tick off her lifetime standard with the 1:56 final clocking.

“I bought her last spring from the Desomers,” Anthrop related when asked about the Toman Enterprises colorbearer. “She’s out of a good mare that Bob Johnson used to train that I remembered.”

Bette Davis Eyes has had her hands full chasing divisional leaders Show Runner and Strings in Sire Stakes action, but appears to be right at home under the cozier conditions of the Joe O’Brien. She used her patented late kick to get the job done.

“She definitely prefers to come from off the pace,” her mentor noted. “Because of that, I guess the nine post wasn’t as bad as it can be for some horses. Tyler was driving her for the second time and said she’s a real nice filly.”

Despite the fact that she’s made nearly 30 starts in her career, Anthrop noted the mare still has plenty of room for improvement.

“She’s still green out there, shying away from things, and has some learning to do. We’ve been trying a lot of different equipment and things seem to be coming together.”

Saturday night will feature free admission after 4 p.m. at Cal Expo with $1 beer, coffee, hot dogs and soda. Handicapper Dave Brower will also be live on site both Friday and Saturday, so be sure to stop by the simulcast center and say hello.