Betty Elizabeth, One Hot Tamale win in California

Freshmen fillies, on both gaits, were featured at Cal-Expo on a less than perfect Friday night (Nov. 20) in California Sires Stakes, on which Betty Elizabeth and One Hot Tamale were convincing winners.
 
In the first of the two $15,000 Stakes, this contested prior to the wagering card over a sloppy track, Betty Elizabeth would come away in third from post-one in the field of four. Soon after the start, however, the youngster was throwing her head back and forth just before the field had traveled an eighth of a mile.  Was this because Lily Of Lodi (Rick Plano) made a break in front of her?
 
"No, it was because it was first time tongue-tie and we were walking," noted driver Gene Vallandingham.  "But I wasn't concerned about a break because she doesn't really want to break because she's a solid filly."

Bred, owned, and trained by Lisa Pilcher, Betty Elizabeth covered the mile in 2:11.3, establishing a lifetime mark.  Acapulco Gold was clearly second best, while Jewel Heist (Steve Desomer) finished a distant 11-3/4-lengths farther back, in third.
 
"She has only had two starts so obviously this was her best race, but she will be a lot better," concluded driver Gene Vallandingham.
 
Featured on the wagering card were the pacing lady youngsters, on which One Hot Tamale got the right trip.

Urged and drawing clear at mid-stretch, One Hot Tamale expanded her lead to the wire to coast home by 3-3/4-lengths.  Bred in part by owner Wayne Knittel, One Hot Tamale won ($6.80) in 2:05.2.  So Relentless (Gilbert Herrera) closed and raced fine to be second, and Serengeti Sunset (Steve Hyman) finished another 1-1/4-lengths farther back, in third.
 
"She finally got a decent trip that she deserved and she took advantage of it," finished trainer-driver Rick Plano.

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