by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Misty Waters is one of the hottest horses on the grounds at Cal-Expo, rattling off five straight victories for Marco and Sandra Rios, but she’ll be getting a severe test when she jumps up in class for Saturday’s (Oct. 16) Open Pace.

The well-bred 4-year-old began her winning skein with $4,000 claimers, capturing two events at that level, then moved to $10,000 optional claiming company for her last three decisions. She’s put her versatility on display during the course of this five-bagger, prevailing from different early positions.

Luke Plano guided Misty Waters in the first two tallies, Scott Cisco gave directions in the next pair, then Luke returned to do the honors last time and will be guiding again this weekend.

“I bought her in January, and what really attracted me to her was the breeding,” Marco Rios related. “She’s by Cam’s Card Shark out of an Artsplace mare, and that’s about as good as it gets.

“She’s beautiful, and the first time I ever jogged her she went perfectly. I think it was just a matter of her growing, because sometimes they don’t finish until they’re 4 or 5. She’s much bigger now than at the start of the year, and she’s putting it all together.”

As mentioned earlier, Misty Waters is taking quite a leap up the ladder for Saturday’s distaff Open, where she will be taking on the likes of Haggin Oaks and Red Star Ruffles, but her trainer feels she’s earned the chance.

“She’s very good right now and we can always drop back down if it doesn’t work out. She looked the best last week and that’s why Luke put her on the lead, but this time around in a tougher field we’ll be trying to work out some kind of trip.”

Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday (Oct. 14) and continues through Saturday (Oct. 16). Post time on Thursday and Friday (Oct. 15) is at 6 p.m. (PDT). Approximate post time on Saturday is 5:45 p.m.