Petrelli Has Berkshire In Sharp Form At Cal Expo

Petrelli Has Berkshire In Sharp Form At Cal Expo
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 - by Mark Ratzky, Publicity -- Cal Expo

Berkshire is fresh from back-to-back wins at Cal Expo for trainer Frank Petrelli and regular pilot Steve Wiseman, putting his class and versatility on display by prevailing on the front end two weeks ago and then reverting to late heroics for his most recent victory.

Berkshire originally carried the banner of the late Ron Lingle, who passed away last month, and now is owned by Frank’s wife Jennifer.

“Mr. Lingle loved this horse so much that he had a tattoo of him on his arm. He cared about all his horses, but he especially appreciated the ones that tried hard each and every time, and that’s Berkshire.

“He’s certainly the nicest trotter I’ve ever had. He can be pretty hard on himself and has his issues here and there, but when they come up we just give him the time he needs.”

Petrelli learned a lesson early on with this son of Revenue S that has served him well.

“One of the first days we had him, he was getting a bath and he struck out at me. I didn’t know what to think, but my wife figured out that he just wanted attention. After that he got plenty of it, and that and lots of bananas are the secret with this horse.”

Another very important part of the equation is Wiseman, who has proven to be the perfect partner for Berkshire.

“Steve has pretty much been his exclusive driver since he got here, and has even chosen him over some very nice trotters. He has a way with horses and gets along great with them.”

Berkshire is back in action in Saturday night’s (June 10) feature, leaving from the middle of a seven-horse field with Wiseman once again doing the honors. He should be a tough customer, no matter how things shake out early.

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Saturday night will find the second leg of the TVG Get Away Amateur Driver Series, with the event concluding on closing night, Saturday, June 18. Free TrackMaster past performances for both these programs will be available at trackmaster.com/calx.

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (June 9) and continues through Saturday (June 11). Post-time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PDT). Post-time on Friday (June 10) & Saturday is 6:00 p.m. On Thursday nights through the end of the winter-spring meet, Cal Expo offers the Late Pick-4 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The wager will be conducted on races six through nine. Further, the takeout for the Late Pick-4 will be lowered to 15 percent, as it will also be on the Early Pick-4. On Thursday and every live card, Cal Expo offers free admission, as well as free preferred & general parking after 4:30 p.m. Also on Thursday night from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Cal Expo offers a complete Lasagna dinner, which includes salad and bread, for just $3.00. Additionally on Thursday, beer & wine can be purchased for $3.00 each as well.

On Saturdays, Cal Expo offers a reduced 15 percent takeout rate on both the Early & Late Pick-4 with the Late Pick-4 having a $15,000 gross guaranteed pool. Additionally, for winning wagers made on the Late Pick-4 online at TwinSpires.com or on track at Cal Expo, a bonus payout of 17.65 percent of the gross Late Pick 4 mutuel payoff will be paid.