Berkshire is fresh from back-to-back wins at Cal-Expo for trainer Frank Petrelli and regular pilot Steve Wiseman. He has recently put his class and versatility on display by prevailing on the front-end two weeks ago and then reverting to late heroics for his last victory.
Berkshire originally carried the banner of the late Ron Lingle, who passed away last month, and now is owned by Petrelli’s wife, Jennifer.
“Mr. Lingle loved this horse so much that he had a tattoo of him on his arm," Petrelli said. "He cared about all his horses, but he especially appreciated the ones that tried hard each and every time, and that’s Berkshire.
“He’s certainly the nicest trotter I’ve ever had. He can be pretty hard on himself and has his issues here and there, but when they come up we just give him the time he needs.”
Petrelli learned a lesson early on with the son of Revenue S that has served him well.
“One of the first days we had him, he was getting a bath and he struck out at me. I didn’t know what to think, but my wife figured out that he just wanted attention. After that he got plenty of it, and that and lots of bananas are the secret with this horse.”
Another very important part of the equation is Wiseman, who has proven to be the perfect partner for Berkshire.
“Steve has pretty much been his exclusive driver since he got here, and has even chosen him over some very nice trotters. He has a way with horses and gets along great with them.”
Berkshire is scheduled to be back in action during Cal-Expo's Saturday, June 10 feature.
(Cal-Expo)