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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Ppk5/8 - Quail A Looming Florida Standout

Although the stakes program for the State-bred program doesn't begin until June 20, Quail is establishing herself as an early favorite in the three old filly pace division.

With the track rated sloppy due to a steady light rain on the Monday evening program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, Quail was an outstanding front end winner over a non-winners of 3 field of filly and mare rivals in a life's mark of 1:55.1, topped off by a 27.4 final quarter with Bruce Ranger in the bike. Blissful Romance partnered by Dan Clements and Prom Queen Hanover with Tom Sells in tow followed next under the wire. On May 7, trainer Kim Sears ordered an equipment change from a blind bridle to a can't see back bridle for Quail, but there were no further changes needed for her strong May 14 performance.

Last year, Quail was regarded so highly that she attracted the attention of one of the sport's top drivers, Brian Sears, for the Florida Breeders Championship night on November 5. Quail was a close second to the undefeated divisional champion, Cracker Coffee, on that occasion. Breeders Kim and Jay Sears have retained ownership and training duties of the daughter of Six Of Diamonds-Armbro Robin. Quail has now won all three of her 2012 starts and her career bankroll is more than $43,000.

In Monday evening's Isle Mile Mares Open Handicap Pace for an $8,500 purse, Bombilla Hanover was a repeat romping winner with Bruce Ranger in the bike. The competitor from the 2011 Pennsylvania Sires Stakes program has now won both of her starts at age 4, with co-owner Peter Blood handling the training duties in Florida. Last November upon her return to the Sunshine State, Bombilla Hanover established a Pompano track record of 1:51.4 just before a winter vacation. In the weekly top tilt for this class on May 14, Bombilla Hanover staved off a big final half challenge by Major Trap driven by Andy Santeramo to prevail as a 1-9 favorite in 1:55.3. Nillabomb negotiated stretch traffic for a close-up third with Dan Clements handling the lines. Rick Berks of Boca Raton, FL and Lew Whitaker of Schnecksville, PA hold ownership shares of Bombilla Hanover, now a career winner of almost $90,000.

This Saturday, simulcasting plans for the Preakness Stakes at Pompano will see the casino area open at 11 a.m. and the track's grandstand area open at 1 p.m. for the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

The Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday schedule of live racing at the South Florida venue continues until June 4, with the balance of the meet offering live cards on Wednesday and Saturday through to it's conclusion on July 28. Free live race night streaming, handicapping selections by Hall Of Famer John Berry and much more is available in the 'racing' tab at www.theislepompanopark.com .