A Canadian-based horseman has made the decision to head south for the winter months, and a pair of his trainees will take their respective shots at a stakes final this Saturday night (Dec. 15).

Nathan Sobey will have two chances to capture Cal Expo’s Alan Horowitz Memorial Pace on Saturday, as he will be represented by a couple of his Canadian-based mares, Brighten Your Life and Smilys Amira.

Brighten Your Life was an eye-catching winner in the Horowitz eliminations last week, which was her California debut. Smilys Amira checked in fourth behind a very impressive Scary Harry in the other elimination.

Sobey made the decision to bring a string of performers from Alberta around late October and is off to a good start at Cal Expo this far. “I’ve got 18 horses here right now and we’re looking to stay until about April,” he related.

Nathan claimed Brighten Your Life two months ago at Northlands Park, and, if her victory in the Horowitz eliminations is any indication, it looks as though she is enjoying her new surroundings.

“I’d had my eye on her for some time, because she was a real nice two-year-old and I didn’t think she was racing to her abilities. We did some work on her and I’m very happy with the way she’s come around.

“I knew we were going into last week’s race a little short, but I thought we at least had a good chance to make the final. I was a little shocked how strong she raced considering, but she is a very tough mare and loves these nice big turns.”

Smilys Amira will be making her second appearance at the current Cal Expo meeting. She also figures to benefit from the experience. “She’s not the easiest mare to train or to drive, but she always gives you everything she has,” Sobey said.

It should be noted that there will be mandatory payoffs on all wagers Saturday night.

Friday night’s Cal Expo harness action will include the Bill Conlin Prep and an Open Pace, which will feature a well-matched field. An 11-race program will be on tap under the Watch and Wager LLC banner. First post is set for 6:10 p.m. The Open Pace has been carded as Race 3, while the Conlin Prep will occupy the evening’s sixth-race slot.

There will be no live racing at Cal Expo next week (live racing will resume on Friday, December 28).

(With files from Cal Expo)