OGs Si Bon, still looking for her first win on the year after posting a pair of seconds and a half-dozen thirds from her nine trips to the post, looks to get over the hump Thursday night (March 25) at Cal-Expo.
 
The Illinois-bred pacer has certainly been knocking on the door for trainer Matias Ruiz, who co-owns the 4-year-old with Raymond O’Neill, and James Kennedy will once again handle the lines.
 
Last week, leaving from the outside of an eight-horse cast, OGs Si Bon trailed in the early stages while some modest fractions were being set on the front end by favored Double Dakota.  The Ruiz trainee put in a strong late charge, coming her final quarter in :27.1, but fell three-quarters of a length short of catching the leader in a solid effort.
 
 
Cal Expo continues to offer its fans a rare opportunity, for just one more week, a chance to get a ride in the starting car during a race, with a donation to the V Foundation, named for the late North Carolina basketball coach Jim Valvano.
 
One person will get to sit next to Starter Bill Vallandingham at that unique perch on the back of the car facing the field, while the other will be seated next to Kenny Fowler, who handles the wheel.
 
Both Vallandingham and Fowler related recently that almost everyone who takes the tour comes away saying how much they loved the experience, one that Bill compares to the old E Ticket ride at Disneyland.  It’s something akin to being able to stand behind a pitcher during a baseball game.
 
If you’re at Cal-expo this week, come down to the paddock and sign up to take advantage of what promises to be both an exciting and educational spin around the Cal Expo layout.  At the same time, you’ll be donating to a very worthy cause in the V Foundation.