After winning just twice from his first 38 trips to the post last year, Jeff The Builder finished up 2010 at Cal-Expo in style with back-to-back wins for owners Rich and Marlene Thomas, trainer George Reider and regular driver James Kennedy.
The now eight-year-old son of Mark Jonathan put his versatility on display while winning his last two races.
“'Jeff' is finally coming around,” Reider related when asked about the pacer. “He’s not an easy horse to train, because he’s high strung, but his groom Hanne Banter works real hard with him.”
Reider also points out that his trainee has found a perfect pilot in Kennedy.
“It seems like James really gets along with him. I’m also glad this horse is finally paying off for the Thomases, because they’re really good people and deserve it for all the time and effort they put into the industry.”
Jeff The Builder also deserves a tip of the hat for pretty much dancing all the dances last year when you factor in the summer break, as last week’s once-around was his 40th appearance on season. He’ll attempt to complete the hat trick from the cozy one-hole in Cal-Expo's 11th race on Friday, January 7.
Among those standing in his way are Bob Lee and Stanza, who were second and third behind him in that blanket finish last week. Both were finishing with plenty of pace that night, but Jeff The Builder got the jump on them.
Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday, January 6 and will continue through Saturday, January 8. First-race post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PST). First-race post time on Friday, January 7 and Saturday, January 8 is 6:00 p.m.
On Saturdays, Cal-Expo offers a reduced 15 per cent takeout rate on both the Early and Late Pick-4 wagers, with both Pick-4s having a $10,000 gross-guaranteed pool.
(Cal-Expo)