Conditioned-claiming pacers were featured at Cal-Expo on Thursday, December 16), and for the sake of Hawks Copperstone it was a good thing the race wasn't contested at a distance of one mile and a step.
The four-year-old gelded son of Allamerican Theory raced three-wide until he cleared to the lead on the first turn. Driver Rick Plano then geared his mount down to the opening quarter in :29. He got a good breather into his charge in the second quarter, also, as Hawks Copperstone would click off the opening half mil indicator in :58.4.
"The second quarter was probably the winning move because it was a good breather for him and as it turns out I won by an inch," Plano said.
Fast forward to the final quarter and Plano had pulled the earplugs on Hawks Copperstone. Having fended off spirited bids in the stretch, the duo posted a nose victory in 1:56.1 for trainer Raul Escobedo and owner Dave Siegel.
"The horse won a hard-fought battle in a race that would have seen him get beat if the race goes another step. But he still went a fantastic mile to be able to win," said Plano, who also recorded five wins on the card.
Live racing will continue at Cal-Expo on Friday, December 17 and Saturday, December 18 at 6:00 p.m. (PST).
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 now having a $10,000 gross-guaranteed pool.
(With files from Cal-Expo)