Open Pace heads Thursday card at Cal Expo

Dancin Lance (Always A Virgin), who has two Open wins at the harness racing meet; and Major Attribute (Fred And Ginger), who denied him a third in the most recent clash at the head of the class, square off in Thursday night’s (Jan. 12) $7,000 Open Pace at Cal Expo Harness.

There will be 13 races decided under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 4:45 p.m.

Major Attribute was the one taking bows following the December 18 Open in what was his first appearance at the meet since coming in from Hoosier Park in Indiana. He is owned by Rpm Stables, is trained by Luke Plano and will have Brad Irvine doing the honors.

Sent off at 5-2 in his local debut with Irvine handling the lines, Major Attribute was last of the eight when the field hit the opening quarter. He began to pick up momentum on the final bend, took aim on Dancin Lance in the stretch and nailed that one by a head in the 1:53 1/5 mile over a good track.

Dancin Lance looked to be home free in that contest after opening a long lead at midstretch but was collared right on the money in another solid effort. Lean Smith trains the 6-year-old for Juan Pacheco and Devon Tharps has the assignment.

Dancin Lance accounted for back-to-back Open Paces on Nov. 5 and Dec. 2, was third in a blanket finish in the Dave Goldschmidt at next asking and then just missed in the aforementioned Dec. 18 tour.

Completing the field are A Major Omen for Gerry Longo; his stablemate Hoo Nein with Vod Farris at the controls; Grab N Go to be guided by Elson Miller and Major Attribute’s barnnate Bombay Hanover, with trainer Luke Plano in the sulky.

Wagering will be available at Cal Expo Thursday evening, however none of the California satellites will be open.

Looking ahead to Friday night’s card, there are 10 races scheduled with a 6:45 p.m. post and the co-headliners are the Open Trot featuring Pridecrest and a Filly and Mare Open Pace headed by Rockin With Lou.

For complete Thursday race entries, click here.

by Mark Ratzky, for Cal Expo Harness