El Azteca and Its Not Over, who have divided up all the top dances for the trotting set during the current Cal Expo meeting, are set to go at it once again in Saturday evening’s $5,500 Open Trot.
There will be 10 races presented under the Watch and Wager LLC banner on Saturday with a first post of 6:40 p.m.
El Azteca is a six-year-old son of Panama Hanover that comes into Saturday’s assignment with three victories from the seven Open Trots during this stand, while arch-rival Its Not Over has posed following the other four.
El Azteca is owned, trained and was bred by Marco Rios, and James Kennedy will be in his usual position in the sulky. The bay performer is looking to add to his $131,000 bank account and set his standard of 1:54.3 last year at Hoosier Park.
After losing by a nose to a pocket-sitting Its Not Over two starts back, El Azteca was able to take advantage of an early break by that foe in the most recent clash at the head of the class. After being used to early lead, Kennedy took up a stalking position with the Rios charge and then had too much for them in the stretch and won going away by a length and three quarters.
Its Not Over made an early miscue in that affair and then rushed up to the lead, but had been used up by the time they hit deep stretch. Another son of Panama Hanover, he races for Richard Dryden and Debra Budahn with Bob Johnson the conditioner and Chip Lackey handling the lines. Flight Of The Kiwi, Franky Provolone, Winsom Kelly and Truth In Action complete the field.
Racing is now being conducted three nights a week, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday action. A reminder that for the remainder of January, the guarantee on the 16 per cent takeout Pick 4 has been increased from $20,000 to $30,000 each night. The other wagers offered with the reduced takeout rate are the Pick 5, the Jackpot 6 and Hi-5 on the nightcap.
(With files from Cal Expo)