by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — Frankthebank hasn’t been around forever, it just seems that way.

Last week the pacing son of Sportsmaster celebrated his 14th birthday, which means this will be his final year of racing, and judging by his performance in the finale of the Shelly Goudreau at Cal Expo he appears to be set to make the most of it.

Frankthebank is owned by Richard and Marlene Thomas and conditioned by George Reider. They actually lost the veteran via the claim box on Dec. 5, but reached right back in the next week and he returned to the cozy confines of the Reider barn.

Frankthebank’s bank account coming into 2015 was just shy of $455,000 and he established his career standard of 1:51 five years ago while turning in a 1:54.3 tally at Running Aces during the summer.

He finished second in the Goudreau Prep while coming from last that evening to conclude last year’s campaign, then was sent off at nearly 12-1 in last week’s final.

James Kennedy was aggressive from the gate and made the top, then Frankthebank was covered up by odds-on favorite Real Attitude on the backside. The Thomas colorbearer dug in gamely and once again finished second, beaten a half-length by the late heroics of Sheer Desire in that event.

He may not reach the half-million dollar mark before he’s forced to social security, but it certainly won’t be for lack of trying.

Jazzmanian Devil eyes repeat in Open Pace

Jazzmanian Devil and One And Only, first and second in last week’s battle at the head of the class, top the cast for Sunday night’s featured $6,600 Open I Pace.

A 12-race card is on tap at the Watch and Wager LLC meeting with first post set for 4:55 p.m. The headliner goes as the eighth event on the evening.

A reminder that there are two wagers that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick-5, which this season features a 25 percent minor pool payout; and the 20-cent Pick-4, which comes with a $30,000 guaranteed pool on Saturdays and $25,000 guaranteed pool on Sundays.