Frankyluvsmeatbals, who has captured four of the last five top dances for the pacing set, looks to pick up another snapshot in Saturday’s (April 17) featured $6,100 Open Pace.
 
A 5-year-old son of The Panderosa, Frankyluvsmeatbals races for Maryann Plano, is trained by Rick Plano and will have Luke Plano in the sulky.  He has $138,000 in his account and established his 1:50.1 career standard two years ago.
 
The dark-hued performer was the dominating player in the division with three straight Open victories between January 16 and February 13, coming home powerfully on each occasion to win going away.  The streak came to an end on March 13, when he sat off a slow pace and was unable to make the needed impact.
 
Frankyluvsmeatbals got back on the winning track in the most recent Open Pace two weeks ago, as he made what proved to be the wining move at the half and went on to a three and three-quarter lengths score as the odds-on choice in that 1:53.2 tour.
 
Nittany Linebacker figures to have his share of backers after making his seasonal bow a winning one last week.  The Real Desire offspring races for Billie Schwartz, Jim Wilkinson Jr. and Ads Up Racing Stable with Wilkinson the conditioner and Jim Lackey once again handling the lines.
 
“The plan is to race him here through April, and then we’ll go from there,” Wilkinson related.  ”When he’s at the top of his game, I’m convinced he’s as good as any horse on the grounds.”
 
Completing the line-up are Cowboy Hanover with Rick Plano at the controls; Split Ticket for James Kennedy; and Leave It To Sam, who will have John Chappell guiding from the cozy rail slot.
 
Live racing resumes at Cal-Expo on Thursday (April 15) at 5:50 p.m. (PDT), and continues through Saturday (April 17).  Post-time on Friday (April 16) and Saturday is at 5:35 p.m.  On Thursday night, Cal-Expo offers a complete Lasagna dinner, which includes salad and bread, for just $3.00.