from the California Amateur Driving Club

Sacramento, CA — The $2,500 Late Closing claiming series comes to an end Saturday (Sept. 23), as 10 finalists head to the gate for a $7,500 purse. This event also marks the final race of the 2010 Amateur Driving competition at Cal-Expo.

The first two legs featured a total of three divisions with Long Last Look finishing first and second, Magicality finishing first and second, and LS Orchardwinner finishing first and ninth.

There was some claiming action in leg two with a total of five claims placed on the first and second place horses. Amateur driving newcomer Karen Isbell was successful in her bid for Magicality and will drive the Leg 2 winner in the final from the advantageous post two. Fouts champion driver Rick Bertrand lost Long Last Look to a claim and will drive Yougotwhatyouwant from the winningest post five in the final, looking to nab the TVG 2010 Amateur Driving title. David Siegel, will take the lines for Long Last Look from the nine-hole for new owner Ron Lingle. Sue Boyce, also in quest of the driving title, switches to Perfect Magic (from post one) for trainer Dario Solares, from entrymate All Americanmacro who will emerge from post 10 with Keith Willey driving.

Bertrand, Siegel and Boyce all have a shot to win the TVG Championship. Boyce and Bertrand are tied for first with 62 points with Siegel behind by five in third. The top four finishers will represent Team West at the 2011 East-West Challenge. Those spoils are sewed up with Robert Stepien rounding out the top four.

CADC Club Note: Rick Bertrand represented the California Amateur Driving Club in the 2010 Fouts Memorial race this past Sunday at the Delaware Fair. From the two-hole, he got away seventh on the half-mile oval and found himself nine lengths back of the leader with his charge, Armbro Wallstreet.

On a small track, his chances were slim with this scenario. But he made up about 10 lengths between the half-mile pole and the finish, finding room with pace to spare as he won by 1-1/2 lengths to take the coveted amateur championship race.

This marks the second time in six tries that a CADC member won the race (James Foley, 2006).

TrackMaster continues to support the TVG Late Closing series by giving away free programs and selections. They can be found at www.trackmaster.com/calx.