Two high-class battles at Cal Expo

An Open Pace headed by Reagan Blue Chip (American Ideal) and Allmyx’sliventexas (Hi Ho Silverheels) and a Filly and Mare Open Pace rematching Ain’t She Special (American Ideal) and Graceful Horizon (Vertical Horizon) get the marquee harness racing treatment Saturday night at Cal Expo.

Watch and Wager LLC will present nine races with first post set for 6:35 p.m.

Reagan Blue Chip will be gunning for his third straight victory at the meet for owners Nathalie Tremblay and Dave Kuri with Trembaly the conditioner.

Both of his victories have been with John MacDonald in the bike, but he will guiding his own trainee Capt Jack Hanover in Saturday’s co-feature.

In last week’s top dance, Reagan Blue Chip sat the pocket for the a half, brushed to the lead and held off Allmyx’sliventexas by a half-length that evening.

The latter is a now 12-year-old homebred who races for Wayne Knittel and takes his lessons from Bob Johnson. He comes into this assignment with 65 wins from his 212 starts, $369,000 in his bank account a 1:50 mark that was set six years ago at Hoosier Park.

Ain’t She Special will be looking for a repeat in the Distaff Open after hanging a neck decision on favored Graceful Horizon in a game mile for both these pacers.

Mandeville prepares for new career

The classy, newly-turned 13-year-old trotter Mandeville, one of the more popular performers here the last few seasons, has been retired and will be moving on to his next career as an Emotional Support horse.

Mandeville, who for many years did his work with owner/trainer/driver Gerry Longo, leaves the game with 61 wins, 41 second and 48 third-place finishes from his 273 lifetime appearances while putting $513,838 into this bank account.

He began his career in his native Canada in stakes events at 2 and has posed for pictures following major events in California, Kentucky, Illinois, Minnesota and Virginia, including several Open Trots here at Cal Expo.

“Mandeville will be retiring to Fresno as an Emotional Support horse,” related Jennifer Sperry. “He’ll continue to get his favorite snacks and naps.

“Trot on Manny, you deserve it!”

Cal Expo salutes this game performer and wishes him the best as he prepares for a new career.

by Mark Ratzky, for Cal Expo Harness