by Mark Ratzky, Cal-Expo publicity department

Sacramento, CA — After settling for minor awards through his initial 16 starts this year, the 5-year-old trotter British Spirit finally landed in the Cal-Expo winner’s circle last week for owner/trainer Lisa Van Tassel and driver Rocky Stidham.

After making miscues in two of his previous three miles and suffering through a tough trip in the other, British Spirit was all business at most recent asking. He made two moves to the lead at the half and took complete control at that point for Stidham, coming home with nearly three lengths to spare.

“They’ve been picking us to win the last few times and it’s nice to finally get there,” said Van Tassel. “I’ve had this horse since December, and he can be a little silly. When we first got him, we were playing it safe with him in his races because of the breaks.”

When asked to elaborate on the “silly” comment, she noted that British Spirit is pretty high strung and takes a lot of extra work, not unlike many trotters.

“I have some little tricks, and pretty much it’s about getting him into a routine. There are also some equipment issues. For the most part, though, it’s all about patience.

“It’s all worth it when they put it together like he did the other night for Rocky. I can’t really say it was frustrating up to the point, because he always tries.”

At the moment, Van Tassel has a half-dozen performers under her care, with British Spirit being one of two trotters in the barn. He’ll be back to work on Thursday night.

Saturday’s action will be spiced up by a full card simulcast from the Meadowlands, featuring the $1.1 million Meadowlands Pace for the 3-year-olds. The star of that show is the brilliant Somebeachsomewhere, the Canadian wonder who is unbeaten in his 10 career outings, including a smashing victory in one of last week’s Pace elimination heats in a sparkling 1:48.3 with Paul MacDonell in the sulky.

Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday (July 17) and continue through Saturday (July 19).