by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Sacramento Harness Association

Sacramento, CA — It was his last start at Cal-Expo before heading east, and Little Stevie departed on a winning note.

A combination of $20,000 claimers and Cal-bred pacers met up at Cal-Expo on Sunday (January 20), in which Little Stevie was fastest of all.

Before starting from post position two in the field of six, driver Todd Ratchford knew what was needed to bring home the bacon.

“Last week I didn’t give him a very good trip and really didn’t give him a chance to race,” admitted Ratchford. “So this week, I was going to at least give him a chance to be in the outer flow, especially since I thought he had as good a chance as anybody.”

Coming away in fourth position while Schemes (Ed Hensley) was having to work for the lead into a :28.2 opening quarter, Ratchford was liking it.

“I felt good at that point because there was a little bit of early speed with Steve Wiseman pressing from the one hole with Rich And Roll, plus my horse felt good at that point.”

Remaining in the cleanup spot at the half-mile pole, timed in :57.4, Ratchford had one thing in mind.

“My only thought at that point was that I was going to pull whenever somebody came out.”

Getting second-over cover from Rich And Roll as the field headed into the final turn, Little Stevie, at the three-quarter marker, timed in 1:26.2, would still find himself racing fourth, while just 2-3/4 lengths back.

“Everything was going perfect — I couldn’t have asked for a better laid-out trip. I thought my chances were very good, especially since he felt strong, plus I was following a horse that could take me a long way.”

Moving three-wide for the drive and immediately shifting into gear, Ratchford would get the response that his charge had been relaying to him through the lines throughout the mile.

“He was very, very strong and full of pace when I tipped him. Then when I hit the wheel once, he responded even more and would go on to win very handily.”

Brushing into the lead with an eighth of a mile to go, Little Stevie would edge away to the wire to win ($12.00) by 1-3/4 lengths. Owned by Carol Campbell in partnership with trainer Jean MacDonnell, the 7-year-old would stop the timer at 1:53.4 for his 20th career triumph. Rich And Roll finished in second, and Schemes would finish another 2-3/4 lengths back in third.

“It was his last race in California as he’s heading to The Meadowlands. His win was very well deserved,” Ratchford finished.

Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday (January 24) and continue through Sunday (January 27). 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!