by Mark Ratzky, publicity department, Sacramento Harness Association

Sacramento, CA — I’m Dam Goog, whose impressive resume includes 301 starts, 93 victories and $632,000 in earnings, looms the one to beat in Wednesday night’s (May 16) $4,900 Cal-Expo headliner for trotters.

Owned by Gregg Pistochini, trained by Denise Maier and handled by Tim Maier, I’m Dam Goog is definitely one of the most popular performers of either gait to compete in California for the past several decades. He sports a career mark of 1:55 flat that was established over this track three years ago.

A 12-time victor in both 2004 and 2005, last season saw the 12-year-old son of Googie returning to the charmed enclosure following seven of his 41 tries, with another 16 second place finishes. From 17 appearances this year, I’m Dam Goog has recorded four wins, a like number of seconds, and a trio of thirds, while adding to his hefty bank account.

With longtime conditioner Ed Hensley headed east, the Pistochini color-bearer is now under the care of Team Maier. His first start for the new connections came on April 26, and he responded with a handy decision that evening while getting a perfect two hole journey for Maier.

I’m Dam Goog has made his last two outings at the Invitational level. He lost his chance when he made a break in the stretch two back, then turned in a solid effort to complete the exacta (placed second through disqualification) in last week’s clash at the head of the class behind Eweburn Sun N. He gets the chance to drop back down in class for Wednesday’s tour and should be hard to deny.

Easter Call is the one that I’m Dam Goog has to worry about. He is coming off a solid score at this level for Lou Pena and his versatile racing style helps make him extra dangerous.

Final Choice could prove to be a serious foe for driver/trainer Gilbert Herrera. He has three victories this season and is coming off a second place finish behind Easter Call while racing under these conditions.

Rick Plano will have an uncoupled pair in Lost In The Keys, who will be handled by son Luke, and Stormy Hall, who will have the services of his trainer. The former races for Virginia Schick and is coming off a victory last week when she came calling late to get up in the final strides as the even-money choice.

Completing the field are Pussy Cat, who leaves from the cozy one hole, with Rich Wojcio at the helm, and Grampa T, who must do his work from the outside with Scott Cisco handling the lines. An 11-race card is on tap.

The harness action continues Thursday night with the Invitational Trot. Eweburn Sun N, last week’s hero, and Desperatehousewife, who has six victories at this top level on the year, figure to get the majority of the attention.

The week’s action concludes with Friday and Saturday programs. Looking ahead to next week, there will be no live racing on Wednesday, May 23, with Thursday through Saturday racing on tap.

All aboard the Bal-Cal train

Outside of a fast food place, finding a value menu for a dollar is pretty tough, but we offer one every Wednesday night here at Cal-Expo in the form of the Bal-Cal Pick 4 Challenge.

The $1 wager combines two races (races 10 and 11) from Balmoral Park in Chicago, with two races (races 10 and 11) from Cal-Expo, and comes attached with a $25,000 guaranteed pool. While the last couple of Bal-Cal returns have been on the modest side, there was a $3,300 payoff last month for each ticket that correctly forecasted the cross-country victors.

Last fall saw some amazing jackpots in this wager, with returns of $20,000, $19,000 and $18,000 coming back for a buck. What will happen in this week’s renewal of the popular bet? Sharpen your pencil and make a statement yourself.

Post time for the first leg of the Bal-Cal Challenge will be at approximately 8:23 p.m. (PDT).

Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo tonight (Wednesday), continuing through Saturday. Post time on Wednesday and Thursday is at 5:35 p.m. (PDT). Post time on Fridays and Saturdays is now at 6:15 p.m. On Wednesdays, admission is free, plus Cal-Expo offers a complete Lasagna dinner, with salad and bread, for just $2.00.

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