A highly anticipated rematch awaits the Open Pacers at Cal Expo
Cal Expo is set to host an exciting Friday night event that will undoubtedly capture racing enthusiasts' attention. The main highlight of the evening will be the highly anticipated $8,000 Open Pace race. Among the notable contenders are the formidable duo of A Major Omen and Heavens Gona Rock. The racing action will unfold on both Friday and Saturday evenings, offering spectators an unforgettable experience. Watch and Wager LLC has meticulously curated a lineup of 10 exhilarating races, with the first race scheduled to commence promptly at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.
In a recent display of remarkable skill and determination, Heavens Gona Rock emerged victorious in the Dave Goldschmidt race on Jan. 28. Owned and driven by Jake Cutting and trained by the highly regarded Darryl Cutting, Heavens Gona Rock's performance left spectators in awe. With odds of 3-1 that evening, the long-fused performer showcased his incredible speed and resilience, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with.
However, it was A Major Omen who narrowly missed clinching victory in the face of Heavens Gona Rock's impressive performance. Owned, trained, and driven by the talented Gerry Longo, A Major Omen is an eight-year-old son of Art Major. With an outstanding track record boasting 41 wins from 143 appearances, a lifetime mark of 1:49.2, and earnings nearing $430,000, A Major Omen's prowess on the racetrack is undeniable. As the morning line favourite at odds of 2-1, A Major Omen seeks redemption and aims to secure a well-deserved win.
A Major Omen recently thrilled spectators with back-to-back Open victories on Dec. 29 and Jan. 7 at Cal Expo. With an impressive display of strength and dominance, A Major Omen triumphed in both races, leading the pack from start to finish. Despite starting as the 8-5 favourite in the Goldschmidt race, A Major Omen faced initial setbacks and found himself positioned towards the rear of the field. However, his unwavering determination and remarkable late surge were not enough to surpass Heavens Gona Rock, resulting in a narrow defeat, with a mere half-length separating the two rivals.
Another noteworthy contender in the Goldschmidt race was Allmyxsliventexas, who secured a commendable third-place finish. Owned and bred by Wayne Knittel, trained by Bob Johnson, and driven by the skilled Chip Lackey, Allmyxsliventexas is eagerly eyeing his 200th career start. With an impressive 64 career victories under his belt, Allmyxsliventexas is determined to add to his remarkable journey in the world of harness racing.
Furthermore, racing enthusiasts can look forward to a special program on Saturday night at Cal Expo. This exceptional event will feature the highly anticipated $20,000 California Sire Stakes, specifically designed for four-year-old pacing mares. It is important to note that this exciting Saturday night program will not disrupt the Super Bowl Sunday schedule, allowing fans to enjoy both thrilling competitions.
Among the top contenders in the Sire Stakes is Stevie’s Girl from the esteemed Kathie Plested Barn and Made Of Misschief, trained by the renowned Bob Johnson. Stevies Girl, skillfully guided by Mooney Svendsen, recently showcased her exceptional talent during a sharp qualifier, hinting at a promising performance in the upcoming race. Similarly, Made Of Misschief, under the expert guidance of Luke Plano, impressed racing enthusiasts with an impressive track record in Minnesota last year, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
09 February 2024, 16:12