by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — One of the best races of the Cal Expo meet could be for the driving crown, with Luke Plano, Steve Wiseman and James Kennedy staking a claim for the title through the first six weeks of this stand.

Plano came into this week atop the standings with 20 trips to the charmed enclosure, bringing his lifetime total to 2,644 with $9.5 million in earnings. He is following in the footsteps of his father Rick, who was a leading driver and trainer in California for many years.

“There are some new horsemen here and that adds to the competitiveness of the racing,” Plano said. “I’ll have a few horses in my barn, but I prefer to concentrate on the driving.”

Steve Wiseman is currently second with 18 victories to his credit at the meet, while leading the trainer standings with 15 of his representatives returning to have their picture taken. His total driving wins now stand at 2,136 with $8.2 million in earnings.

“Being the leading driver and trainer was the goal coming into the meet,” Wiseman explained. “I’ve never won a training title before, so that would be nice, and I’ve got a great crew to help me.”

James Kennedy is also off to a good start here with 13 snapshots and figures to be right in the hunt through the close of business in early May. Kennedy, who recorded a number of driving and training victories with the popular mare Haggin Oaks, currently sits with 866 sulky scores on his resume.

A reminder there are four wagers offered here every night with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate. They are the 50-cent Pick-5; the Jackpot 6; the Pick-4 and the Hi-5 on the nitecap.

A 12-race card is on tap for Saturday with first post set for 6:10 p.m. (PST). There is now Saturday and Sunday racing under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post on Sunday at 4:40 p.m. Beginning Dec. 26, Friday action will be added to the mix.