Cal Expo to host Donald Arnstine Pace Tuesday

Rock’s Image (Rockin Image) and Rockin Sage (Rockin Amadeus), who both proved punctual favorites in last week’s harness racing eliminations, loom the main rivals in Tuesday night’s (Dec. 26) $13,700 Donald Arnstine Pace.

Watch and Wager LLC will present 13 races with first post set for 4:55 p.m. and racing will continue this week with programs on Friday and Saturday.

Rock’s Image was 1-5 in his heat last week and looked every bit the part for his owner/trainer/driver Gerry Longo as he blitzed the field by four and a quarter lengths that evening.

It was the ninth win from 12 starts for the 4-year-old Indiana-bred and he figures to get plenty of respect at the windows once again.

Rockin Sage was likewise victorious in his elimination as the 3-5 choice for the combination of owners Bertrand, Mitteco and Rahn with Bertrand the conditioner and Jake Cutting doing the honors.

Rockin Sage made every pole a winning one, holding a clear advantage until midstretch and then just prevailing over the pocket-sitting Go Viral by a head.

Completing the field are Go Viral, Fox Valley Sidecar, Seek and Destroy, Sb Prince Archie, Bin A Mystery and Sweet Timber.

Barbara Arnstine celebrates birthday in style

In honor of her 89th birthday, Barbara Arnstine went her very first training mile last week while accompanied by her son Steve Chambers.

The pair took their tour of the Cal Expo mile oval behind the Kathie Plested-trained Alwayshowfaith.

“It was out of this world,” Barbara related after the experience. “I was amazed at the power and speed when they train. It was amazing and a great experience.”

Barbara, along with her husband Don who passed away last year, owned their first harness performer in 1974 with their first big horse being Big Time with trainer Steve Desomer.

Barbara, who is partners with her son and Plested, continues to own and breed and currently campaigns such popular performers as Major Offense, Crazy Cute and Stevie’s Girl.

Barbara, who has a doctorate degree in philosophy, was a professor at Sacramento State University for 30 years, teaching learning theory and women’s studies.

Tuesday’s main event is the Donald Arnstine Pace, which is named for Barbara’s late husband.

Watch and Wager sends its condolences to Rick Bertrand, who lost his father William Bertrand Sr. on Wednesday at the age of 91. In honor of his father, Rick will be driving Bobs Time in Tuesday night’s 13^th race.

by Mark Ratzky, for Cal Expo Harness