As far as Luke Plano’s Friday and Saturday nights are concerned, it’s safe to say he’s booked. As an example, Friday’s Cal Expo program finds Plano suiting up for 13 of the 15 races on the evening, while Saturday night has the pilot competing in all but one of the 15 contests.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Plano noted as he looks for his second straight driving title under the Watch and Wager LLC banner. “Ideally, if I was to sit out a couple, I would just as soon they be at the beginning or the end of the night, because about a 12-race card is perfect and I prefer to drive them all.”
Plano learned his lessons well from his father Rick, who was a mainstay in California for many years and now does his reining and training in Florida and New York.
“He taught me a lot, and I guess the area where I’ve improved the most is knowing the horses.
“It’s not just the ones I’m driving, but the ones I’m in there against. Once I get the program, I do quite a bit of studying, and having just two horses of my own right now allows me a lot more time. I’d say that is the biggest plus I have out there.”
Luke Plano is currently locked in a pretty good battle with Steve Wiseman for driving honours at the current stand, which is scheduled to conclude at the end of May. Both drivers are very much in demand and make the most of their opportunities.
“Steve and I are good friends and it means a lot to win the title and have the bragging rights,” Plano noted.
As for when the meet concludes, Plano has gone to New York in the past, but is considering a trip to Minnesota this summer.
“A lot of the horsemen here are going to Running Aces, so I may just follow them there because I know I’ll have the opportunities.”
Of more immediate concern, there are some 27 chances to land in the winner’s circle over the next two nights, and Plano plans to make the most of them.
(Cal Expo)