Cal Expo to host Funicello-Holt Pace final

Rockin Sage (Rockin Amadeus), a smashing winner of last week’s elimination heat; and Rockin The Dragon (Custard The Dragon), her most immediate victim as the odds-on choice, head the cast for Sunday night’s (Dec. 10) featured $13,400 Funicello-Holt Pace final for harness racing fillies and mares.

Nine races are scheduled under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 5:05 p.m.

Rockin Sage is a 4-year-old who is owned by Bertrand, Mitteco and Rahn, takes her lessons from Richard Bertrand and will once again have Jake Cutting handling the controls.

Sent off at 7-1 in last week’s elim, Rockin Sage was able to work out a perfect pocket journey and surged in the lane to post a two and a quarter-length victory at 7-1.

Rockin The Dragon had to settle for the exacta completion that night as the 2-5 choice but was compromised by the trip trying to come from next-to-last while wide to the drive.

The Mark Anderson-owned, James Kennedy-reined and trained mare was a 19-1 upsetter herself on opening week and will be gunning for some revenge in Sunday’s final.

Completing the field are Moonlit Night, Polk Dotlady, South Gate Sally, Lulu Hoop, Anitas Red Rebel and Hunky Dory.

The co-feature on the card is the $8,000 Open Pace that brings out Mystery Dragon and Major Offence, winners of the first two top dances at this meeting.

Erickson’s passion brings him to California

Brett Erickson is one of the new faces on hand here at Cal Expo.

A 30-year-old native of Brainaid Minnesota, Brett had never even been around a horse when he was introduced to harness racing 11 years ago.

“I bowled with someone who introduced me to Adam Hauser and the next thing I know I was with him at his barn at Humboldt and racing on the Iowa fairs.

“I started out as a groom and as soon as I got to sit behind a horse I was hooked and knew this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

While competing at Running Aces this summer he was encouraged to give Cal Expo a try by Kathy Wiseman and Nat Tremblay.

“You can’t beat the weather, that’s for sure, and as we speak it’s 40 degrees and snowing back home in Iowa.”

Erickson currently has seven horses under his care and is expecting four of five more before the new year rolls around.

“I’d also like to do as much catch driving as I can out here, but I realize I’m the new face in the room and it’s probably going to take some time.”

by Mark Ratzky, for Cal Expo Harness