by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Sacramento Harness Association

Sacramento, CA — He almost always races from behind, but with the situation calling for a change in tactics, the talented California Dream was up to the challenge.

The final feature of 2006 was contested on Saturday night (December 30) at Cal-Expo Raceway as Open l pacers competed for the winner’s share of $7,500, in which California Dream ended a great season victoriously.

In advance of starting from post position five in the field of six, driver Rick Kuebler had every reason to be optimistic, given the excellent shape of his charge.

“Going into the race, after discussing everything with trainer Jr. (Jim) Wilkinson, we figured Du Wah Diddy (Rocky Stidham) would leave, and we felt that Tail Gunner (Bruce Clarke) might leave,” said Kuebler. “So, the pre-race plans were, as usual, as is his custom, to race him from off the pace. If he received a good trip and the effort was good, we figured he’d be right there.”

Coming away in fifth position, Kuebler, after 3-16 of a mile, felt a change in strategy was in order.

“When Du Wah Diddy didn’t leave, that meant that Tail Gunner was the only one to go out of there and he doesn’t demand the front-end, plus the pace wasn’t fast, so I decided to make an early move.”

Making the lead past the three-eighths-mile pole after a first quarter of :28.3, the question was whether there was any toughness to the early move.

“No, I made the lead comfortably, he brushed well within hand, plus Bruce (Clarke) elected not to race me at that point with Tail Gunner. Once I made the lead, I kept the pace steady, and he wasn’t all-out.”

Reaching the half-mile pole, timed in :57.2, Kuebler liked how things were going.

“I thought the fractions were just right for him and thought that if he could keep the pace at the same clip through halfway around the final-turn, that he could come home with his big brush and win.”

Receiving no pressure in the third-quarter until Pulse (Ed Hensley) mounted a bid past the 11-16-mile pole, California Dream was ready for the challenge.

“When Pulse started moving at us, my horse grabbed on to the bit and was ready to hit full stride at the three-quarter pole (1:26). At the three-quarters, he was on his toes and it was a matter if anyone could brush by him from there.”

In full gear entering the lane, Kuebler went to work with 3-16 of a mile to go.

“I popped his earplugs after we straightened out and when I pop his plugs, I also usually yank on his tail, which, when I did tonight, he, like always, went as hard as he could.”

Despite California Dream pacing strongly through the lane, the soon to be 4-year-old had company from his older foes, thus providing some anxious late moments.

“Tail Gunner and Love Shark (Rick Plano) were starting to get to him, but as we neared the wire, it became apparent he was going to reach.”

Bred and owned by the partnership of Lester Hunsucker, Jay Rosenberg, and JW Standardbreds, California Dream held on to win by three-quarters of a length, in 1:53.4.

“His race tonight was a bit different since he did a large portion of the work, but he has learned how to come home fast, and now he’ll do it whether it’s coming from behind, or on the front-end. He was outstanding, as he has been in his last six or seven starts. I have to really give credit to trainer Jr. Wilkinson for really managing this horse so well. He has taught him to become a top-notch racehorse,” Kuebler concluded.

Tail Gunner finished in second, and Love Shark was just another neck back in third.

Open ll pacers raced for a purse of $6,500, in which Moonlight Bliss was the pocket-rocket. Trained and driven by Bruce Clarke, and owned by the breeder — Michael Scott Duncan, the 4-year-old won by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.3. Sony Hanover (Brad Irvine) found room too late and came on nicely to be second, and Good Bad Or Best (Ed Hensley) finished another 1-1/2 lengths farther back in third.

Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday, continuing through Saturday. Post time on Thursday and on Saturday is at 5:35 p.m. Post time on Friday is at 5:00 p.m. On Thursday, Cal-Expo offers Fiesta Thursdays, in which fans can enjoy $2.00 frozen Margaritas and Tacos!

Guaranteed Late Pick-4 pool every Friday and Saturday

Sacramento Harness Association at Cal-Expo continues to offer a $20,000 (guar.) Late Pick-4 pool every Friday and Saturday, on races nine through 12.