by Scott Ehrlich, Cal Expo announcer
Scott Ehrlich offers his picks for the $10,000 Late Pick-4 at Cal Expo on Dec. 15, part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program. Cal Expo Late Pick-4, Races 6-9, Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011 $1 play: 4/167/1210/245789 = $54 Analysis: Race 6: (4) Drawing Dead closed well into a slow final quarter in a very slow race after being stuck in the second-tier of horses. The 2-year-old filly has more than an ordinary chance and is a single type horse. If you wish to spread, try (5) Indelible who is in a new stable tonight with a new pilot. Fits off time adjustments. (6) Afinetouchofclass won, but was second-over into a slow final quarter in a very slow race. Can repeat, no cinch. (1) Major Marcus is off two weeks, but first-time Lasix. The 2-year-old figures with best and if fit. Race 7: (1) Doit By The Clock left, then was better than even in the lane until surging late with pace to be second into a fast final quarter in a very fast mile and the night’s fastest. This field is easier, bonafide chance. (7) Serious Art got a live cover trip from the winner until being left uncovered at a fast three-quarters, then closed nicely in the stretch into a fast final quarter in a fast mile while second best by 3-3/4 lengths. His numbers were solid and he may be be the best in here, but Wojcio will have to get him into the race from the seven hole. (6) Sterling Chris was three-wide midway through the final turn around poor cover, then was better than even in the lane with absolutely no chance and gets an excuse. Out of the same race as the 1 and can get back on the winning track if in position. Race 8: (10) Badger Creek found his best foot in the last sixteenth of a mile into a fast final quarter in the night’s fastest by four-fifths of a second. Has the second tier and follows my third choice who is live, just a slight edge. (2) Poor House was a very trying second and was only caught late on a closer’s bias. Solid shot. (1) Vantage was weaving through the lane for room and never found it until very late with no chance and gets an excuse. Merits serious attention. Race 9: (8) Live A Little wasn’t as good after two great wins. Drew poorly, but faces easier. Can overcome the slot with his previous two. (2) Tequila On Ice was first-over the last nine-sixteenths-plus to close and win nicely in a fast mile. Can repeat. (9) Spoons tried hard versus a tough winner. Faces easier, but outside and there could be speed inside to deal with. If he clears to the front fairly smoothly, he can wire these. (5) No Kisses Knowmore was closing in the lane, but had to angle for freedom late with pace as the wire came up in a start off 13 days. Consider. (4) Glad To Be Back was used some in the fastest quarter of the night, then was defenseless to the 2 on a closer’s bias. Is more than capable with his best. (7) Bewareofthisaffair left to push the first eighth-plus, took a shuffle, then had a pretty nice rally. She figures, but her post hurts; position is the key. Good luck!