by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — After making a dozen trips to the winner’s circle from his 31 appearances last season at Cal Expo, the hard-knocking pacer Shoot The Works has 16 snapshots this year with two more chances to add to that impressive total before the big ball drops in Times Square.

A 6-year-old son of Hi Ho Silverheel’s, Shoot The Works is owned and trained by Matias Ruiz and his most recent victories have come with Luke Plano in the sulky. While this guy can win from just about any position during the course of a race, his last two tallies have come in coast-to-coast fashion to the delight of the chalk players.

Last week saw the Ruiz performer pushed through the opening quarter, but he took complete control of things when straightened for the backside. Just to make sure, he tossed in a :27.4 final quarter for Plano to report home with five lengths to spare in a 1:55.1 tour. Earlier this year he established his career standard of 1:53.3 over this layout.

“I was very happy he was able to win 12 races last year, and I didn’t think he would be able to top that this year, especially with the summer break,” Ruiz said after the most recent score. “When I first got him, he had a lot of problems, and one of the keys is that he doesn’t train hard during the week. When it comes time to race, though, he’s ready to go.”

As mentioned earlier, his last three teamings with Luke Plano have resulted in solid victories.

“Some drivers just don’t seem to get along with this horse as well as others, but Luke fits him perfectly. We’ve raced him from behind before, and he’s done well, but when you’re the best like he is at the $4,000 level, it’s always safest to do it yourself.”

Plano related, “Shoot The Works is a nice little horse and Ruiz has done a great job with him. His biggest asset is the fact that he’s so handy, and I don’t have to go into the race with any set plan and have options once that gate starts rolling.”

Post time change for Dec. 31

Cal Expo has received approval from the California Horse Racing Board to change the first race post time from 6 p.m. to 5 p.m. (PST) on Saturday night, Dec. 31.

“We will end this nightly program earlier with the 5 p.m. post time which will hopefully allow the fans, employees, horsemen and all those persons who help support our racing program to safely celebrate New Year’s Eve,” said Director of Racing David Elliott.

Cal Expo Harness Racing will continue its racing programs the following week in 2012 on Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7, with the normal 6 p.m. first race post time.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (Dec. 15) at 5:30 p.m. (PST) and continues on Friday (Dec. 16) and Saturday (Dec. 17) at 6 p.m.