Rocks Image and Rockin Sage, who both proved punctual favourites in last week’s eliminations, loom the main rivals in the $13,700 Donald Arnstine Pace on Tuesday night, Dec. 26.
Watch and Wager LLC will present 13 races with first post set for 4:55 p.m. and racing will continue this week with programs on Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23.
Rocks Image was 1-5 in his elimination last week and looked every bit the part for his owner/trainer/driver Gerry Longo as he blitzed the field by 4-1/4 lengths that evening. The four-year-old Indiana-bred son of Rockin Image earned his ninth win from 12 starts and he figures to get plenty of respect at the windows once again.
Rockin Sage was likewise victorious in his elimination as the 3-5 choice for the combination of owners Richard Bertrand, Louis Mitteco and Kelly & Daren Rahn, with Bertrand the conditioner and Jake Cutting doing the driving honours. Rockin Sage made every pole a winning one, holding a clear advantage until mid-stretch and then just prevailing over the pocket-sitting Go Viral by a head.
Completing the field are Go Viral, Fox Valley Sidecar, Seek And Destroy, SB Prince Archie, Bin A Mystery and Sweet Timber.
Barbara Arnstine celebrates birthday in style
In honour of her 89th birthday, Barbara Arnstine went her very first training mile last week while accompanied by her son Steve Chambers.
The pair took their tour of the Cal Expo mile oval behind the Kathie Plested-trained Alwayshowfaith.
“It was out of this world,” Arnstine related after the experience. “I was amazed at the power and speed when they train. It was amazing and a great experience.”
Arnstine, along with her husband Don who passed away last year, owned their first harness performer in 1974 with their first big horse being Big Time with trainer Steve Desomer.
Arnstine, who is partners with her son and Plested, continues to own and breed and currently campaigns such popular performers as Major Offense, Crazy Cute and Stevies Girl.
Arnstine has a doctorate degree in philosophy and was a professor at Sacramento State University for 30 years, teaching learning theory and women's studies.
Tuesday’s main event is the Donald Arnstine Pace, which is named for Arnstine's late husband.
Watch and Wager would like to send condolences to Rick Bertrand, who lost his father William Bertrand Sr. on Wednesday at the age of 91. In honour of his father, Rick will be driving Bobs Time in Tuesday night’s 13th race.
(With files from Cal Expo)