Cal Expo has a 10-race card to begin the weekend. The 0.20 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7. The sequence has a $25,000 guaranteed pool with a 16% takeout, and it will be my focus.

Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 7 (8:45 PM PDT)

4-Tutto Bene (4-1)-Should be a better price than the morning line and put in a strong effort in last. Took the long way around and just missed a picture by a neck. Wasn't a factor with this kind of purse money on the line in the past. But Jesse Pacheco could leave and get the pocket behind the morning line choice below, and if so chances for success go up.
5-The Minnesota Kid (8/5)-The Castillo 3-year-old shows up in a large way when the $20,000 purses are on the line. Was the winner 2 times in that situation and raced evenly in the starts in between. This should be go-time at a tiny price.

Race 8 (9:05 PM PDT)

2-Love To Flirt (4-1)-Come off a sharp win which was not trip aided. Draws inside and could benefit from a more efficient trip this time.
6-Always A Warrior (6-1)-Comes right back off a win and did beat 3 from this field that night. Took advantage of a smart steer and Nick Roland is back at the controls tonight.
7-Sign Of The Times (9/5)-Has won 3 of 8 starts at CalX this year only missing the board once. Deserves the favoritism and this race will probably go through the 5-year-old.

Race 9 (9:25 PM PDT)

1-Zach Maguire N (8-1)-Going to look to beat the 6/5 choice #5 and will use Luke Plano at a price from the rail. One-move type could get a suck-around trip and be in the hunt at the wire.
6-Gorgeous For Real (8-1)-The last 3 starts have been dull but a top effort puts the veteran in the hunt. Went the back half in .57 in an improved effort last week. This will be the 1st time to come back in sequence since the end of January.

Race 10 (9:45 PM PDT)

3-Cease Fire (2-1)-Comes off its sharpest race in a long time. Left from the 8-hole and landed in the pocket but couldn't catch the winner. Knows how to win but has only taken 1 picture in 12 races this year. This looks like an opportunity to double its win total.
8-Julie Lauxmont (5-1)-Comes off an even effort in a quick mile. This will be the 2nd race after a sick scratch and comes back in sequence. Camera shy veteran drops to a level where a win could happen at a square price.

$1 Late Pick 4

4,5/2,6,7/1,6/3,8
Total Bet=$24

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