Streaking Mandeville headlines Cal Expo Open Trot
At 0h20, on February 12, 2022 • By CAL EXPO
Mandeville, who has posted three straight impressive victories at the head of the class, gets the marquee treatment in Saturday night’s (Feb. 12) $7,150 Open Trot at Cal Expo.
A 10-race card is on tap at 8:45 p.m. Next week will see a return to the regular Friday/Sunday evening schedule.
Mandeville is owned and trained by Gerry Longo and has been perfect in three starts with pilot Luke Plano. The 10-year-old Majestic Sun gelding comes into this weekend with 43 trips to the charmed circle from 182 attempts while earning $346,917 and sporting a 1:54 mark set two years ago at Running Aces.
Plano first climbed behind Mandeville for the Jan. 16 Open and was able to sit a pocket trip that night, streaking home along the rail to prevail by 1-3/4 lengths.
In his last two scores, he has taken back early, made a power brush first-over on the backside and gone on to handy decisions on both occasions while having plenty in reserve.
Track record holder Pridecrest was his most immediate victim in the last two Opens with Mooney Svendsen after coming out after him on the final bend, while Silverhill Volo completed the exacta three starts back after rattling off back-to-back Open scores on Dec. 19 and Jan. 1 for Chip Lackey.
Taking them on are Hypocrisy (Cordarius Stewart) and Warrawee Welcome with James Kennedy in the sulky.
