Major Al-mar eyes encore in Cal Expo trot

Major Al-mar, fresh from posting a 9-1 upset last week, figures to get more respect at the windows this time around as he heads the field for Saturday night's harness racing featured $5,500 conditioned Trot.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 14 races with first post set for 4:55 p.m. The main event is set as the fifth on the program.

A 4-year-old son of Money Talks out of the Andover Hall mare Vestal Hanover, Major Al-mar is owned by Vikki Pfeilsticker and Amy Fichtner, hails from the Rick Bertrand shedrow and will once again have Cordarius Stewart giving directions.

Stewart was guiding the sidewheeler for the first time since they joined forces at Oak Grove in Kentucky back in November. After having to settle for a couple of minor awards in his first four appearances at this meet, Major Al-mar put it all together last time and rewarded his backers at a nice price.

Leaving from the outside post in the field of seven, he was parked to the lead at the quarter, withstood a strong bid on the final bend and early stretch and gamely re-rallied to prevail by a head.

Flameon and Mshindi, who were second and third, respectively, in that affair are back in the cast and will obviously have a big say in the outcome. Mshindi was sent off the 1-2 choice that night and was only beaten a half-length for the whole thing.

Taking on this trio are Jesse's Student, Glenferrie Dreamer, MD Magic, Bringthegold and Teachmehowtotry.

Mandatory payouts, reduced takeout wagers spice action

Saturday being the closing night of the first portion of the 2020-21 Watch and Wager LLC meeting, there will be mandatory payouts in all wagers on the program.

Great value can be found as there are three wagers offered each night that come with a reduced 16 percent takeout rate – the 20-cent early and late Pick 5 and the 20-cent Pick 4.

A reminder that beginning next week, Cal Expo will be switching to a Saturday and Sunday night schedule.

Congratulations to Best Dream Seeker, who ended up on the right end of the photo with Nick Roland in last Saturday night's first race, giving the veteran his 44th lifetime victory from 454 starts.

The pacing son of Cambest takes his lessons from Rick Bertrand, who co-owns along with Vikki Pfeilsticker and Amy Fichtner and has had the hard-hitting performer for the last two and a half years.

Because he turns 15 years old next week, Best Dream Seeker will face mandatory retirement, but will remain at the Bertrand barn to assist joggers and help with teaching the babies.

Best Dream Seeker will suit up one more time in Saturday night's fourth race before calling it a career.

By Mark Ratzky, publicity – Cal Expo Harness