Biggest Big Bertha is in Top-Flite

It came down to the draw and strategy, and both were to the advantage of Biggest Big Bertha.

Filly & Mare Open Handicap Pacers, racing for a purse of $6,100, were featured at Cal-Expo on Thursday night (March 4), on which Biggest Big Bertha won for the 51st time in her fine career.

Before starting from her assigned post four, was trainer Rick Plano concerned that his mare had been off a couple of weeks?

"The two weeks off was okay for three reasons," stated Plano.  “One, she stays fit herself.  Two, three of the other four horses were also off 14 days, and three, I drew inside of Sintillating."

Leaving and racing three-wide until the field entered the first-turn, the nine year-old obtained the lead after an eighth of a mile into a :28.2 opening quarter.  More importantly, a very pleased Plano was liking it when Sintillating only advanced one spot out of the gate from post position five.

"As long as Sintillating isn't sitting behind me - - I've basically got her where I want her - - and that's good for me.”

Unchallenged in the second quarter, "Bertha" reached the half-mile station, timed in :57.4.

"She felt good at the half off that :29.2 quarter."

Taking a look back past the half-mile pole, Plano observed and responded.

"I saw that Sintillating had pulled first-over so I started letting my mare pace a little bit - - which was good because Sintillating doesn't get around the turns very well."

With Sintillating clearly stalling past the 9-16ths mile marker, Plano soon took another peek back at the five-eighths mile pole.

"I didn't see that Sintillating wasn't making the turn, but I did notice that she wasn't getting anywhere close.  At that point I wanted my mare to get away from them and I let out a notch."

Reaching the three-quarter mile marker, timed in 1:26, Plano knew good things were forthcoming.

"I thought I could win from there as long as she'd keep to it."

Under some urging into the stretch and opening up the lead to the seven-eighths mile pole, there'd be no catching the talented mare.

"It was a mild drive down the stretch while she was well within herself for an easy victory."

Owned by Marilee Keene, Biggest Big Bertha reported home by 2-1/4-lengths to win ($5.80) in 1:54.2.  Scooter Babe (Steve Wiseman) finished in second, and Castle Oaks (John Chappell) finished another 1-1/2-lengths farther back, in third.

"It was a picture perfect race," concluded Plano, who had four winners on the card. (Cal-Expo)

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