Edwin Quevedo experienced something earlier this year that had never happened before – he found himself at the top of the trainer standings here at Cal Expo.
“It felt good, it felt really good,” said the conditioner.
Quevedo has been sending out a steady stream of winners since the meet begin in November, none more impressive than the four-year-old pacer Heza Real Diamond, who has been trading blows with the classy Allmyxsliventexas at the head of the class.
The son of Allamerican Native carries the banner of Orlando Nevarez and been steadily climbing the ranks here, culminating with a win in the January 17 Open over Allmyxsliventexas before just missing to that rival in their most recent clash at the top rung.
“It’s been very satisfying to what the way he’s developed,” related his mentor. “He’s gone some big races lately.”
Edwin also has also been making his share of winner’s circle appearances with performers like Western Devil and Giggle Monster, who have been turning in some strong miles of their own.
And what about when this meet ends in April?
“I plan to go back to Minnesota and Running Aces again,” Quevedo said. “After that, I just might try my luck back East, something I’ve never done before.”
Bettor In The Bank, fresh from a solid victory as the odds-on choice last week, looks to keep the momentum going in Saturday night’s $5,000 pacing headliner.
The main event is scheduled as the 10th contest on the Watch and Wager LLC program with things getting under way at 6:10 p.m.
A 10-year-old son of Bettor Tuwin, Bettor In The Bank carries the banner of Debra McCarthy and hails from the Gordie Graham barn. He comes into this assignment with 48 wins from his 192 starts with $244,000 in his account and sports a 1:51.3 mark that was set her two years ago.
Sent off the 3-5 choice in last week’s outing with James Kennedy handling the lines, the McCarthy representative sat a tracking trip to the lane, ignited when the question was asked and won going away by two lengths without being asked for his best.
Sire Mammo is looking to make amends after being well beaten as the 4-5 favourite in a mile and a half get-together last week. La Bella Vita Stables owns the eight-year-old gelding and John Roberts does the driving and training.
Completing the field are Swagasaurusrex, Buzz Light, Mister Hat, Coz And Effect, Dontdoubtthelakers, Bobby Dazzler and Blue Star Maverick.
(Cal Expo)