Lilys Hi Ho is one of the best developments in recent memory at Cal-Expo, as he has gone from a modest pacer a few months ago to putting together a six-race win streak. His most recent tally came in last week’s first leg of the Denali Series, and he’ll suit up again Friday, February 4 as the event continues.
The four-year-old son of Hi Ho Silverheels goes through his paces for the team of owner/trainer Bob Johnson and driver Lemoyne Svendsen, and on paper he and archrival Hi Ho Steverino stand out in this group.
Lilys Hi Ho established his mark of 1:54.2 three weeks ago while going coast-to-coast. He put his versatility on display last time out when he came from far back after leaving from Post 9. He won going away by two lengths.
“Bob definitely found the key with this horse and he’s much better-gaited than he used to be,” Svendsen related. “Because he started going better, I was able to be more aggressive with him, and it all came together.”
While Lilys Hi Ho came into last week’s first leg with his win skein of five, including victories in the December 11 Sire Stakes Championship and the Courageous Red finale in the slop, Svendsen figured it was going to be far from an easy assignment.
“From where we started out there, and with Hi Ho Steverino drawn to our inside, I wasn’t sure how things were going to shake out. I asked Bob what I should do, and he just left it up to me.
“When we left out of there and I saw them five and six-deep for the lead, I knew I didn’t want any part of that and I just took him back. It’s nice when you have a horse who is as handy as he is, and still get a real nice kick in the stretch.”
Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday, February 3 and will continue through Saturday, February 5. First-race post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PST). First-race post time on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 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)