Heartland Express is obviously a pacer who subscribes to the theory, “If you don’t succeed at first, try, try again.” The Larry Hastings-owned and trained gelding got the job done in start No. 27 last week at Cal-Expo, as he benefitted from a heady drive by Scott Cisco to prevail by a length as the 4-5 favourite.

The four-year-old actually crossed the wire first in a Cal-Expo mile on September 2, but did a 'no-no' through the stretch when he stepped inside the pylons and was denied that three-length score by the stewards. A near miss followed from an outside post, then it all came together last time to the delight of the chalk players and his owner/trainer.

“I bought him because he’s a full brother to my big horse, Dugout Andee, but I guess that one is just a freak of nature,” Hastings related. “It was definitely frustrating that night he drew off in the stretch and was disqualified, but on the other hand it was encouraging because it was the first time he’d actually gone forward in the stretch.

“That next start was a good one from the eight post, and then Scott gave him a great drive last time. He left, then got covered up by a horse who was a longshot and he knew he didn’t want to follow, so he was out and moving again.”

Heartland Express was subsequently able to sit in the pocket behind the second choice, tracked that one to the drive and then proved best in the lane.

“I’ve thought about selling him several times over the last year, but he’s such a loveable horse I just couldn’t do it,” Larry said. “He’s got a stride a mile long, so who knows, maybe he’s finally coming around.”

Amateur Series To Wrap Saturday

Saturday night will be the finale of the TVG Amateur Driver Series. Opening-leg winners Magicality and Long Last Look will be heading the cast. TVG is a proud sponsor of the series, while TrackMaster is supporting the event by offering free programs and selections at trackmaster.com/calx.

Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday, September 23 and will continue through Saturday, September 25. Approximate first-race post time is 5:45 p.m. (PDT).

Now on Saturdays, Cal-Expo will offer a reduced 15 per cent takeout rate on both the Early and Late Pick-4 wagers with the Late Pick-4 having a $10,000 gross guaranteed pool.

(Cal-Expo)