from Cal-Expo Raceway

Sacramento, CA — The powerful entry of Wilder Echo and Leavnona Jateplane paced one-two in the Cal-Expo feature race on Saturday, March 19. Six sidewheelers in five betting interests came to compete for a piece of the $7,600 purse.

Chip Lackey left quickly from the inside with Leavnona Jateplane, but not as quick as Jersey Bouncer and the latter took the lead on the first turn. EZ took up residence third with Wilder Echo fifth and last week’s winner, Perfect Waverly last.

They stayed that way until Rick Kuebler tipped Wilder Echo out and quickly went around Love Shark, who was having trouble keeping up. He then motored up the outside. Chip Lackey tipped Leavnona Jateplane out in front of his stablemate to give him some belated cover, which he accepted.

With an eighth left to race, Wilder Echo came off his cover and gradually wore Leavnona Jateplane down for the win in 1:53 flat. Ed Hensley was able to hold third with EZ.

The Gusty Stable of Dr. Gary Budahn and his wife Debbie own the top two finishers and Matias Ruiz is the trainer of record. Wilder Echo is a six-year-old altered son of Armbro Operative, out of the Coal Harbor dam Fleetwood April. This was his third win in 10 starts this year.