Red Star Popeye has proven to be a very good purchase since being taken out of a $2,500 claimer just over a year ago at Cal-Expo by owner Lisa Ehrlich and trainer Bob Johnson.

He’s recorded 10 wins, nine seconds and 10 thirds from 42 starts for the connections and has banked over $27,000 during that period while doing the majority of his work with the $5,000 to $7,000 sellers.

It was some eye-popping finishes at Cal-Expo prior to the claim that caught Scott Ehrlich’s attention and prompted him to do some homework on the British Columbia-bred son of As Promised.

“I went back and watched replays of his races at Fraser Downs and took note that he didn’t have as explosive a close there, perhaps because it’s a five-eighths oval, but he did love going first over. Figuring he took a liking to Cal-Expo’s mile layout, combined with his love of taking air, not to mention my love of horses that close, got us to claim him.

“'Popeye' is my pacing Challenge The King, but much sounder. They both love(d) to race, to pass, and to win, and their never-ending determination is impossible to dislike.”

Red Star Popeye’s record would be even better, but last week some traffic troubles resulting in a break on the final turn conspired against the gelding and he checked in fifth as the 6-5 public choice.

“We had to move back inside sharply to avoid the breaker,” explained pilot Luke Plano, referring to the off-stride Incredible Gambler.

Once Red Star Popeye recovered, he came a sparkling :26.4 final quarter, but the eagle had flown by that point and he had to be happy with a minor award. He will suit up once again in Friday night’s (June 8) fourth race.

(Cal-Expo)