Misty Waters is one of the hottest horses on the grounds, rattling off five straight victories for Marco and Sandra Rios, but she’ll be getting a severe test when she jumps up in class for Saturday’s (October 16) Open Pace at cal-Expo

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The well-bred four-year-old began her winning skein with $4,000 claimers, capturing two events at that level, then moved to $10,000-optional claiming company for her last three decisions. She’s put her versatility on display during the course of this five-bagger, prevailing from different early positions.

Luke Plano guided Misty Waters in the first two tallies, Scott Cisco gave directions in the next pair, then Luke returned to do the honors last time and will be guiding again this weekend.

“I bought her in January, and what really attracted me to her was the breeding,” trainer Marco Rios related. “She’s by Cams Card Shark out of an Artsplace mare, and that’s about as good as it gets.

“She’s beautiful, and the first time I ever jogged her she went perfectly. I think it was just a matter of her growing, because sometimes they don’t finish until they’re 4 of 5. She’s much bigger now than at the start of the year, and she’s putting it all together.”

As mentioned earlier, Misty Waters is taking quite a leap up the ladder for Saturday’s distaff Open, where she will be taking on the likes of Haggin Oaks and Red Star Ruffles, but her trainer feels she’s earned the chance.

“She’s very good right now and we can always drop back down if it doesn’t work out. She looked best last week and that’s why Luke put her on the lead, but this time around in a tougher field we’ll be trying to work out some kind of trip.”

Live harness racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday (October 14) and continues through Saturday (October 16). Post-time on Thursday and Friday (October 15) is at 6:00 p.m. (PDT). Approximate first-race post-time on Saturday is 5:45 p.m.

Now on Saturdays, Cal-Expo will offer a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on both the Early & Late Pick-4 wagers with BOTH Pick-4’s now having a $10,000 gross guaranteed pool.

(Cal-Expo)