Frankthebank wires Open Handicap field at Cal-Expo

February 03, 2008

Open Handicap 1 pacers, racing for a purse of $8,000, were featured on an extremely windy Saturday night at Cal-Expo, in which Frankthebank never looked back.

Prior to starting from post-position five in the field of five over a track listed as "good," driver Rich Wojcio contemplated a change in strategy.

"Going into the race, I was actually thinking of taking him off the gate because I thought The Pand Illusion (Rick Plano), Exit Hanover (Ed Hensley), and D Jokerman (Steve Wiseman) might try to get around Hard On The Heart (Luke Plano)," said Wojcio. "If they left, I was just going to make a decision from that point -- especially considering the wind. When The Pand Illusion made a break before the start and it looked like Exit Hanover was struggling at the gate, I decided to leave."

Blasting out off the gate like he usually does and obtaining the lead into the first-turn, Frankthebank would reach the quarter-mile pole, timed in :30.3. Now with a vicious tailwind at his back, the 6 year old would reach the half-mile marker, timed in 1:00, all while Wojcio was pleased with his charge.

"He felt very strong and at that point and I felt he'd be very hard to beat."

With Exit Hanover having made his way into the pocket as the field headed toward the final-turn, this would leave D Jokerman first-over and in an attack mode.

"D Jokerman is a tough horse and I was hoping he wouldn't look my horse in the eye because I don't think Frank is as brave when he's on the front end."

Now exchanging blows with D Jokerman, who had gotten to the throatlatch of Frankthebank at the three-quarter mile pole, timed in 1:28.3, Wojcio was still upbeat.

"He still felt good at that point and I still thought we were okay. Then when I shrugged off D Jokerman entering the stretch -- I pretty much knew it was over."

Drawing clear with an eighth of a mile to go into a serious headwind, Frankthebank would continue to expand his lead and would cross under the wire with a 3 1/2-length winning margin.

Owned by Rick and Marlene Thomas and trained by Bernie Wolin, the Illinois bred would win in 1:58.4, recording his 21st career triumph. D Jokerman was clearly second-best, and Exit Hanover finished 6 3/4 lengths farther back, in third.

"He dug in and finished well -- especially considering the wind. He raced well like he does every week and I'm glad he finally got a win after a third and two seconds to California Dream," Wojcio finished. (Cal-Expo)

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