The return of harness racing at Cal Expo means another chance to see Alpine Hawk, the popular 11-year-old trotter who has become a mainstay at the oval since switching his base from the East Coast several years ago.
The son of Movie Mogul, who carries the banner of Jim Winske with Gordie Graham the conditioner and Rich Wojcio in the sulky, just missed in the Open Trot to kick off the meeting last week and is reliable for his share of winner’s circle appearances over the next six months of this inaugural Watch And Wager stand.
For the record, Alpine Hawk has made 191 lifetime trips to the post, coming away with 50 wins, 36 seconds and 21 thirds while putting almost $186,000 in his bank account. You could say he’s done it the old-fashioned way.
“He is just a real kind, hard-trying horse who gives you everything he has each and every time you put him on the racetrack,” Wojcio related. “I’ve been driving horses since I was 16 years old and I still look forward to driving him. He’s just that kind of horse.”
Wojcio is happy that the trotters and pacers are back in action, along with everyone else who is involved with the game or enjoys it as a fan and/or bettor.
“As far as the new meet, of course I hope it goes well for everyone. I also hope that they look out for the people who have always been here, the glue that keeps racetracks going.”
Friday night's Open Trot field also includes Claudius Augustus, the track record holder for aged horses at Cal Expo with over $307,000 in his lifetime account. He will be making his first start of the year for trainer Bob Johnson. The field also includes last week’s Open winner Giles L S Hanover, Franky Provolone, Shelby County, and Parkhill Fantasia. The headliner will go as the opener on a 15-race program and first post is 5:55 p.m.
(With files from Cal Expo)