A 16-race card is set with first post at an earlier 5:30 p.m., Pacific. The Open trot finds Shelby County gunning for a repeat victory at the head of the class and goes as the third on the evening, while the two Sire Stakes will be non-betting races held prior to the betting portion of the program.

Shelby County is a 5-year-old daughter of Chip Chip Hooray and the Whiteland Somolli mare Rowdy Somolli who is gunning for her 15th win on the season from 32 trips to the post. She recently went over the $100,000 earnings plateau and established her 1:57.1 mark here earlier in the year.

After making a break in her first start at the meet three weeks ago, Shelby County was runner-up to Franky Provolone two back and then put it all together in the most recent clash at the head of the class in coast-to-coast fashion for Stidham over a course that was rated good.

Taking her on will be Franky Provolone (Tim Maier), Giles L S Hanover (Steve Wiseman), Claudius Augustus (Mooney Svendsen) and Be Famous (Frank Petrelli).

Looking at the Sire Stakes for pacing distaffers, trainers Tim Maier and Bob Johnson will both have two looks at the outcome with Diva Las Vegas and Little Anna Mae suiting up for Maier, with Pismo Beach and Twentyone Guns representing the Johnson barn. Drawing Dead and La Madawna De Rosa will complete the cast. In the trotting event, Vari Forgetfull and Silverlode are both multiple stakeswinners, while California Crush will try for an upset.

Please note that Sunday, Dec. 23 has been added to the live racing calendar at Cal Expo and there will be a special first post of 2:35 p.m. for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday programs that week, Dec. 21 through 23.