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Gold Star Gidget (3-Walter Ross Jr.) earned a tight nose
decision over arch-rival Quail (4-Bruce Ranger) in the $10,300 FSBOA Final on
Wednesday evening, July 18, at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. (Skip Smith Photo)
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Quail, with Bruce Ranger in the bike, was stung to the quarter in 27.4 by Prairie Lee in rein to Tom Sells while Gold Star Gidget was settled into fourth spot by Walter Ross Jr. Quail dictated the middle fractions of 59 seconds and 1:28.1, with Gold Star Gidget unleashed for a final half outside gain as the field turned into the backstretch the final time. By the top of the stretch, the State-bred rivals were on level terms and stayed that way to the wire in 1:55.3. The photo finish camera gave the nod to Gold Star Gidget on the outside by a nostril flare. Tom Audley is the breeder, owner and trainer of the filly by Rock On from the Dragon Again mare Squisita. Her 2012 record is now 3-3-4 from 10 starts for over $16,400 in season's earnings.
In the FSBOA 3 year old filly trot final for an $11,000 purse, favored Selena went off-stride early and was no factor. Dessert Princess was given a textbook pocket trip by Jim McDonald to haul down Pinch Of Thyme partnered by Mel Turcotte in 1:59.4. Teal, with Jay Sears driving, was well back in third. McDonald also trains the improving Dessert Princess, by Basil from the Balanced Image mare Must B Wonderful, for owners Carolyn Smiley of Palm City, FL and John Menges of Jensen Beach, FL.
The Sunshine State Stakes 2nd leg was contested in three of four divisions for the State-bred two year old for purses ranging from $4,600 to $4,900. In the 2 year old colt and gelding trot first division, Tim T continued as the best in the division with a handy 2:05 romp with Tom Sells in the bike. Mike Deters trains the promising colt by Basil from the Valley Victory dam Princess Michele for local owners Fred Morosini, Mike Prendergast and Ken Fritz. The other division for the 2 year old colt and gelding trotters was won by Railee Kwik in 2:07.1. Jim Gluhm of Trenton, FL is the breeder, owner, trainer and driver of the son of Basil from the Donerail mare Railee Super. Hollys Diamond won the lone division for 2 year old filly trotters in 2:05.3 with Jay Sears in the bike. Kim Sears trains the quickly improving daughter of Basil from the Coleman Lobell mare Lookslikenorma for owners Johanna and Charles Beaver of Delaware, OH. In the lone division for 2 year old pacing fillies, Dona was a dominant winner in an outstanding clocking of 1:57 which included a final quarter of 28.1. Tom Lehmann of Sarasota, FL is the owner, trainer and driver of the rookie miss by Tough Sir from the Big Towner dam Mystic Millenium. Seven Arias, partnered by DeShawn Minor, gave chase from a pocket trip but could not catch Dona.
When racing resumes on Saturday evening, July 21, non-wagering action in the FSBOA 2012 series will commence at 6:35 p.m. before the regular program.
Just three programs remain in the 2011-2012 season at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing, with post time at 7:05 p.m. on July 21, 25, and 28. The South Florida plant's 2012-2013 campaign will commence on Wednesday, September 19. Free race night live streaming, handicapping selections by Hall Of Famer John Berry, and much more is available in the 'racing' tab at www.theislepompanopark.com.
