Horse racing fans will get a chance to take advantage of live thoroughbred racing as the San Joaquin County Fair Live Horse Racing kicks off  its four-day run at 1:15 p.m. for the first of eight races in Stockton.

The fair’s timing could not be any more perfect for the casual horse racing fan, who likely witnessed an exciting installment of the final leg of the 2011 Triple Crown with longshot Ruler On Ice ($51.50) fattening every pocket that believed in the long shot.

The opening card at the newly renovated fairgrounds track has lured in some of the fillies and mares of racing’s top trainers. Jerry Hollendorfer, Doug O’Neil and Ed Moger, Jr. all have horses on the opening-day card, in hopes of earning some purse money.

Some of the California racing circuits top jockeys will make their way to the Central Valley, getting mounts from Francisco Duran, Barrington Harvey, Kevin Krigger and the sports all-time leading rider, hall of famer Russell Baze.

Live racing will go on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well, with Saturday’s card featuring nine races. There is a mule race scheduled on each day of the card, coming second on today’s race card with the Stockton Mule Futurity.

There will be a plethora of wagering options available throughout the card, including the $2 quinella, $1 exacta, $1 trifecta, $2 daily double, $1 pick three and a $0.50 pick four over races one thru four. There will also be a $1 place pick all available in the first race.

The morning line odds for the four-day schedule are available through the Daily Racing Form.