In case you’re keeping track, the four-year-old pacing mare Divine Art will be gunning for her 14th straight victory when she suits up in Friday night’s fourth race at Cal Expo for new owner/driver/trainer Gerry Longo.

A daughter of Outrageous Art, Divine Art was a terror in Canada last season and caught Longo’s attention.

“I like to watch the races up there and I was on the lookout for a three or four-year-old filly to round out my stable down here,” noted the 77-year-old conditioner. “I ended up buying her from Nate Sobey and, when she first got here, I was a little concerned because she was pulling pretty hard. Then I talked to Nate and he said she needed a hood, a tuck tie and mini bit, and that did the trick.”

Divine Art, a multiple Alberta stakes champion who is up for national honours at next month's O'Brien Awards, made her only start at the Cal Expo meet for Longo on Dec. 26 and looked every bit the odds-on choice that evening as she was parked to the lead at the half and took complete control from that point to romp. 

“The goal with her would be the Sire Stakes that start at the end of the month and, after this meet is over, we’ll take her to Minnesota and see what she can do there. She makes a real nice stablemate for Rockin With Lou, who races with the top mares.”

Speaking of quality racing mares, Longo noted that the popular 13-year-old Kiss On The Lips was given some time and will be returning to the wars soon.

“She’s a warrior,” praised her mentor. “She’s been one-two-three in half of her 300 starts and, the way she’s going, I’ll probably race her here through next year and then let her be a mama.”

Dancin Lance favoured in Friday's Open

Dancin Lance, who has two Open wins at the Cal Expo meet, and Major Attribute, who denied him a third in the most recent clash at the head of the class, will square off in Friday night’s featured $7,500 Open Pace.

Major Attribute was the one taking bows following the Dec. 18 Open in what was his first appearance at the meet since coming in from Hoosier Park in Indiana. He is owned by Rpm Stables, trained by Luke Plano and will have Brad Irvine doing the honours.

Sent off at 5-2 in his local debut with Irvine handling the lines, Major Attribute was last of the eight when the field hit the opening quarter. He began to pick up momentum on the final bend, took aim on Dancin Lance in the stretch and nailed that one by a head in the 1:53.1 mile over a 'good' track.

Dancin Lance looked to be home free in that contest after opening a long lead at midstretch but was collared right on the money in another solid effort. Lean Smith trains the six-year-old for Juan Pacheco and Devon Tharps has the assignment.

Dancin Lance accounted for back-to-back Open Paces on Nov. 5 and Dec. 2, was third in a blanket finish in the Dave Goldschmidt at next asking and then just missed in the aforementioned Dec. 18 tour.

Completing the field are A Major Omen for Gerry Longo; his stablemate, Hoo Nein, with Vod Farris at the controls; Grab N Go, to be guided by Elson Miller; and Major Attribute’s barnmate, Bombay Hanover, with trainer Luke Plano in the sulky.

There will be 12 races decided under the Watch and Wager LLC banner with first post set for 6:45 p.m. 

(With files from Cal Expo)