by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Silver Bloom will attempt to solidify her spot at the top of the 2-year-old distaff pacing ranks when she goes postward in Saturday’s (Nov. 29) $25,000 Championship at Cal-Expo for owner/breeder Wayne Knittel, conditioner “Sparky” Clarke and pilot Rick Plano.

The daughter of Hi Ho Silverheel’s-Bloom N Grow finished third in the initial stakes dance late last month, but has put her class and versatility on display in the last two big-money clashes. She got her first trophy with a strong rally from off the pace on Nov. 7, then used front-end tactics to get the job done two weeks ago while leaving from the demanding number 10 post position.

“I do think she’s the dominant filly in this group,” trainer Clarke related recently. “I thought she’d do better in that first stakes, but it turned out we didn’t have her hung up right and she was too aggressive.

“For that next one we changed to an open bridle and she relaxed real nicely and put in a big finish. Even though she took them all the way last time, I actually think she’s better from off the pace, but she showed she can get it done any way the race comes up.

“She’s just a real nice filly and the versatile racing style gives you even more confidence. That’s pretty important, especially if she’s leaving from the hot dog stand, like she was last time.”

Silver Bloom is the third performer to the wars for the un-raced Presidential Ball mare Bloom N Grow. Preceding her to the track have been Late Bloomer, who has a 1:53 career standard; and Sun And Water, who sports a 1:55 mark.

At Cal-Expo on Saturday night, there will be four $25,000 Championship events for the 2-year-old pacers and trotters and an Open Pace that brings out the likes of Cowboy Hanover and Split Ticket.