by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Sacramento Harness Association

Sacramento, CA — Neither Mother Nature, nor a strong final turn challenge, could stop Frankthebank from getting the cash.

Open Handicap 1 pacers, racing for a purse of $8,000, were featured on an extremely windy Saturday night (February 2) at Cal-Expo, in which Frankthebank never looked back.

Prior to starting from post position five in the field of five over a track listed as ‘good,’ driver Rich Wojcio contemplated a change in strategy.

“Going into the race, I was actually thinking of taking him off the gate because I thought The Pand Illusion (Rick Plano), Exit Hanover (Ed Hensley), and D Jokerman (Steve Wiseman) might try to get around Hard On The Heart (Luke Plano),” said Wojcio. “If they left, I was just going to make a decision from that point — especially considering the wind. When The Pand Illusion made a break before the start and it looked like Exit Hanover was struggling at the gate, I decided to leave.”

Blasting out off the gate like he usually does and obtaining the lead into the first turn, Frankthebank would reach the quarter-mile pole in :30.3.

Now with a vicious tailwind at his back, the 6-year-old would reach the half-mile marker, timed in 1:00, all while Wojcio was pleased with his charge.

“He felt very strong at that point and I felt he’d be very hard to beat.”

With Exit Hanover having made his way into the pocket as the field headed toward the final turn, this would leave D Jokerman first-over and in an attack mode.

“D Jokerman is a tough horse and I was hoping he wouldn’t look my horse in the eye because I don’t think Frank is as brave when he’s on the front end.”

Now exchanging blows with D Jokerman, who had gotten to the throatlatch of Frankthebank at the three-quarter pole, timed in 1:28.3, Wojcio was still upbeat.

“He still felt good at that point and I still thought we were okay. Then when I shrugged off D Jokerman entering the stretch, I pretty much knew it was over.”

Drawing clear with an eighth of a mile to go into a serious headwind, Frankthebank would continue to expand his lead and would cross under the wire with a 2-3/4 length winning margin. Owned by Rick and Marlene Thomas and trained by Bernie Wolin, the Illinois bred would win ($4.60) in 1:58.4, recording his 21st career triumph. D Jokerman was clearly second best, and Exit Hanover finished 8-1/4 lengths farther back in third.

“He dug in and finished well — especially considering the wind. He raced well like he does every week and I’m glad he finally got a win after a third and two seconds to California Dream,” Wojcio finished.

Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday (February 7) and continue through Saturday (February 9). Post time each night is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. (PST). On Thursday, Cal-Expo offers Fiesta Thursdays, in which fans can enjoy $2.00 frozen margaritas and tacos!

Cal-Expo offers guaranteed $10,000 pools on all Pick-4’s!