An Open II Pace headed by the red-hot Hoboken Hanover and a simulcast of the Woodbine Jackpot Hi-5 with an $847,458 carryover and a mandatory payout are among the main attractions on Saturdays Watch and Wager LLC harness racing program at Cal Expo.
First post for the 12-race program is 6:10 p.m. The headliner goes as the sixth event on the card while post time for the 11th race at Woodbine is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Pacific Time. The Jackpot Hi-5 at Woodbine is a 20-cent minimum wager with a low 15% takeout rate.
Looking at the Cal Expo feature, Hoboken Hanover comes into the contest riding a four-race winning streak while steadily climbing the class ladder. He is owned and trained by Denise Maier with husband Tim once again in the sulky.
The 8-year-old son of Cams Card Shark started his recent skein with a March 8 victory while racing with a $5,000 tag, then came back to take his next pair in optional $6,000 claiming events, including a lifetime best 1:52 1/5 mile on March 22.
Hoboken Hanover moved up to the Open I for last weeks assignment and did the stalk-and-pounce to perfection for Maier, as he won going away by a length and three-quarters over odds-on choice St Lads Lotto that evening.
Rounding out the field are Jazzmanian Devil, Bettormeboy, King Of The Crop, Laissez Moi Passer, Mar Dream, Real Attitude and Cosmos.
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Next week, the racing schedule will find a return to Saturday and Sunday night programs.
By Mark Ratzky