The opening leg of the Lonnie Beck Series will be the feature this Saturday (January 16) at Cal Expo. The series is named for the late owner/breeder who was such a major influence in California harness racing, and one of his trainers has taken the time to reflected on him.

Beck was one of the most important owner/breeders of the last several decades in California while campaigning some of the top performers on the west coast, including Givmewhatineed, his son Ivegotwhatuneed and Mels Best, just to name a few.

Bob Johnson was among his trainers and remembers him with much respect.

“Lonnie was a good owner and very important to California as an owner and a breeder, especially during the time we needed it most,” Johnson said.

He went on to say, “I remember one year we went to the Harrisburg sale and he bought 12 horses to bring back here to race. He made a big difference.”

The Lonnie Beck Series is designed for California Sire Stakes-eligible three-year-olds, and a field of six will face the starter. Johnson will send out a pair in Mathachusetts and Allymyxsliveintexas and they will be joined by Be My Lucky Lady from the Steve Wiseman barn; the Vickie Desomer-conditioned Rock Of Ages and One More Chance, who hails from the Junior Wilkinson shedrow.

The 11-race card also contains a $6,600 Filly-Mare Open Pace headed by Party Hangover Two, and a $5,500 Open II Pace.

There is also an $11,464 carryover in the Race 9 20-cent Hi-Five with a $30,000-guaranteed gross pool.

The carryover is courtesy of last Sunday evening’s nightcap. While the victorious Pismo Beach was not that hard to find at $11.40, the fact that favoured Becky B Skipalong was off the ticket, coupled with 28-1 Lust finishing second and 4-1 Majestic Lass checking in fourth, was enough to make it unattainable.

Saturday’s ninth race will see a field of nine head postward. Windsun T Bird has been listed as the 2-1 morning line favourite from the cozy rail slot. Brandon Bragg owns the nine-year-old mare. Trainer Luke Plano will be driving.

(With files from Cal Expo)