by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Jam And Jelly has rattled off four straight big efforts at Cal Expo at the top rung of the trotting division, including three trips to the winner’s circle, and George Reider couldn’t be any more pleased with the 6-year-old mare.

“She’s really coming into her own right now,” related Reider, who conditions the daughter of New And Noble and is co-owner along with Rick and Marlene Thomas. “I’m happy for the mare and the Thomases.”

Jam And Jelly pushed her career bankroll over the $132,000 mark with last week’s tally in the Open, as she came from last for Luke Plano and was up by three-quarters of a length over a very sharp customer in Rompaway Brandon and heavily-favored Claudius Augustus in that mile.

Reider’s trainee captured Opens on Oct. 14 and 21 from off the pace, then played the role of pacesetter in her next try and was overtaken in the late stages. She went back to the come-from-behind style and saved her best for last in that most recent trip to the post and earned another photo session.

“I leave the tactics up to Luke, because he does a great job,” Reider informed. “In that race two back he decided to leave with her, and once she gets started she goes into high gear. I knew it would be tough to hold on when she went in 1:27 that night with so many good horses chasing her, but she only got beat a little over a length and it was as good a race as she’s gone.

“Last time, when she was sitting last and Claudius Augustus was out there cruising in a :59 half, I have to admit I was worried. When they picked things up at the three-quarters it looked a little better for us, and then when she swung out for the stretch I felt pretty good, because I knew she was really going to be coming at them.”

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (Nov. 18) and continues through Saturday (Nov. 20). Approximate post time is 5:45 p.m. (PST).