by Scott Ehrlich, publicity director, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Prior to the races in two non-wagering events, sophomore colts and geldings were featured in a pair of $15,000 California Sires Stakes on Saturday (Nov. 28) at Cal-Expo.

In the first division, this for the trotters, Credit Score made it five in a row. Not leaving from post position two in the field of five, but never settling in, trainer Bruce Clarke was on the move with his charge an eighth of a mile past the start into a :30.3 first quarter.

Appearing to fight a strong backstretch headwind, Credit Score gradually made his way to the lead after 7-16ths of a mile while now being prompted by K D Amazin Spirit (Keith Willey) to the half-mile marker in 1:02.1. Receiving stronger final turn pressure from K D Amazin Spirit, Credit Score led by only a neck at the three-quarter pole, timed in 1:33.2.

Drawing clear at the head of the lane, Credit Score now had to deal with Try This (Gilbert Herrera), who was brushing and appearing to have a shot to win to the seven-eighths pole. Clarke, however, was sitting like a statue with his whip tucked and the colt drew clear late to win by 3-1/4 lengths. Bred in part by owners Jack Toth and Jack Coffey in partnership with Clarke, Credit Score won in 2:02.2. Try This finished in second and K D Amazin Spirit finished 3-1/4 lengths farther back in third.

Pacing 3-year-olds were next, in which Pacinello dominated. He moved to the top for driver Luke Plano by the three-eighths-mile pole through first half fractions of :27.1 and :56.4. The young Plano rated his charge in a :29.1 third quarter while reaching the three-quarter station in 1:26.

Now pouring it on in the lane with a strong tailwind at his back, Pacinello opened up the lead with every stride to win by 6-1/4 lengths. Bred and owned by D & E Racing, the Rick Plano trained colt won in 1:53 and pushed his career earnings just over the $100,000 mark. Glad To Be Back (Rich Wojcio) finished in second and Coal Younger (Anthony Succarotte) finished a half-length farther back in third.

The victory for Pacinello was his second in a row and his 12th win on the season.

An easier trip and the ever-present toughness of TV Mom saw her notch her third triumph in the last four in an $8,000 Open Handicap Trot.

Flying into the lead with a sixteenth of a mile to go and under wheel-disc urging, TV Mom edged away late to win ($4.20) by one length. Owned by Maurice Sigmon and trained by George Reider, TV Mom stopped the timer at 1:57, a lifetime best. Cherry Tree Luke finished in second and Rally By The River finished six lengths farther back in third.