Big Fresno's nine days will wrap up California fair racing season

California's 2016 fair racing season concludes with the nine-day Big Fresno Fair starting Thursday.

Fresno traditionally followed the San Joaquin County Fair at Stockton's race dates, which were transferred to the Alameda County Fair for a special six-day Oak Tree at Pleasanton meeting.

Industry leaders expected the OTP meeting to surpass recent results at Stockton, and the fair did that.

“It was good to see we followed through with those predictions,” said California Authority of Racing Fairs racing secretary Tom Doutrich.

“All three factors - horsemen participating, fans attending and wagering, and the fair with its marketing - came together.”

Now the question is whether Fresno can capitalize on the positive bounce.

Doutrich recognizes the problem of attracting runners from farther away from the San Francisco Bay Area, but he is hopeful that Fresno can have a good meet.

“Pleasanton averaged 7.4 runners per race,” he said. “On Friday, we’ll average better than seven runners in each Thoroughbred race, barring scratches.”

Thursday’s opening day consists of seven Thoroughbred races; Doutrich held off on scheduling any mixed-breed (mules, Arabians, Quarter Horses) races.

But there will be two Arabian and one mule race Friday, along with the seven Thoroughbred races.

“The first Friday at Fresno is a big party day,” Doutrich said. “Racing is an event there, so we wanted to have a big card that day.

“Saturday will be the judge of how good this meet will be. We have 18 nominated for the ($100,000) Harris Farms, and we also have a 2-year-old open maiden race and first-level allowance race.”

First post is 1:15 p.m. weekdays, including the Monday Columbus Day holiday, and 12:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Fresno has restructured its incentive program in an attempt to attract more runners. Trainers will now receive a $300 bonus after entering two runners, $500 for trainers entering five to nine runners, and $1,000 for 10 or more runners. In addition, there are $200 shipping incentives for both Northern and Southern California.

“They’ve done nice things with the track here,” Doutrich said. “This is a great surface, and this is the last chance for trainers to run on the dirt in Northern California.”

In addition to Saturday’s six-furlong $100,000 Harris Farms, the fair will also offer the $50,000-added Bull Dog at 1 1/18 miles on closing day Oct. 16.

Among the 18 Harris Farms nominees are two Jerry Hollendorfer-trained multiple stakes-winning comebackers: G.G. Ryder and Summer Hit, along with up-and-coming stablemate Never Say Try. Marino’s Wild Cat, the 2014 Harris Farms winner, is also nominated, as is Jimmy Bouncer, a Doug O’Neill trainee undefeated at the six-furlong distance.