David Siegel figures to be a busy man on Saturday night (March 6), as he is scheduled to go to the post in 10 of the 15 races on the program.
 
Siegel, a prominent owner and President of the California Amateur Driving Club, will be handling two of his favorite performers during the course of the evening.  His pacer Shock and Awe hails from the Bernie Wolin barn and shows up in the eighth race, while the trotting mare I Look Special is owned by Siegel, Robert Thronson and Greg Robinson while taking her lessons from Gilbert Herrera and goes in the 11th event.
 
Shock and Awe is a 34-time victor, and David was in the bike when he picked up his most recent tally back on February 12.  He will do his work from the No. 8 slot in a very contentious cast that includes some hard-knocking pacers.
 
“Shock and Awe is the gutsiest horse I have ever owned or driven,” he related.  “He always gives 100 percent and never gives up in a race.  He can leave in a grinding style, come first up or come from off the pace.  While he’s not a quick horse, he maintains his speed as well as any other and has a heart unmatched by any horse I’ve encountered.”
 
Having said that, Siegel is realistic about this weekend’s assignment in a race that matches conditioned types and optional $12,500 sellers.
 
“He will have his work cut out for him this week coming from out of the 8 hole with a trailer.”
 
I Look Special has clicked in 36 of her 203 career outings and is on the verge of going over the $200,000 earnings mark.  She is still seeking her first snapshot of the year, but appears to find a very appealing spot to correct that oversight.
 
“She’s one of the more consistent trotters just below the top level.  She’s a dream to drive and quite versatile in style.  She gets some class relief and I expect her to be right there on the wire.  By the way, she is one of the cutest mares around.”
 
For the record, Siegel has driven in 10 races on two other occasions, and his most victories in an evening stands at three, which he has done twice.  In addition to Shock and Awe and I Look Special, he is set to guide My Mighty Nightie in the third, Artilda in the sixth, Try This in the seventh, Final Choice in the ninth, Mil Amores in the 10th, Check Raisin in the 12th, Mask in the 14th and The Future in the finale.
 
Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday (March 4) and continues through Saturday (March 6).  Post-time on Thursday is at 5:25 p.m. (PST).  Post-time on Friday (March 5) is at 5:30 p.m.   Post-time on Saturday is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.  On Thursday night, Cal-Expo offers a complete Lasagna dinner, which includes salad and bread, for just $3.00.