Cal Expo Pick 4 (May 5, 2011)

Another day, another $10,000 guaranteed Pick 4 pot out west at Cal Expo.

Race 6

We love an old gray mare though Code Blue (9-2) is, in truth, only a 5YO. Winless this year but with the best also-ran times in this field of non-winners of two. No idea why Dancing Barry is the prohibitive (2-1) favorite. The gelding is winless in 17 tries. Must be memories of past glory. ($60.000 lifetime earnings in 45 starts.) One Night Stand (7-2) is an interesting play. The lightly raced 4YO (3 races in 2010, 6 so far 2011) has had a rough go of late but gets a driver change to Steve Wiseman who was in the sulky for back-to-back wins in March.

Bet: 2, 5

Race 7

Gotta love Satire (9-2) because he won for us the last time out but he'll be pressed from the difficult 7 post and will have to race his best time of the year in this heady company. Star Time Kid (2-1) is easily the best here and has seven wins in 2011 to prove it, including a field-beating best time of 1:52.3. Cycle Power (3-1) hasn't enjoyed results this season but has the speed to compete.

Bet: 1, 4

Race 8

A $1,600 stampede, um, er, trot. Liked Letter of Intent (2-1) the last time out but she had too much to overcome after being parked and nine back. Still, a game second place finish makes her the favorite here. Interested in KD Rowdy One (12-1) in first of the year coming off an injury. Would be easily the best were it not for the variables of light racing and injury.

Bet: 2, 3

Race 9

Wow. A maiden race. Perfect to increase the payout in a Pick 4.

Bet: 1, 2, 4, 8

Pick 4 Card: 25/14/23/1248 = $32