When the 2011 Little Brown Jug winner Big Bad John came to Florida last December and broke the three year old colt pace track record set at 1:51.2 by Beach Towel more than 21 years earlier, it was widely thought that the category record of 1:51.1 would stand for a long time to come.
It would actually last a little less than seven months.
In the $10,200 purse non-wagering final of the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association (FSBOA) series, it was apparent from the outset that Keemosabe was on a track record seeking through fractions of 27.2, 55.2, and 1:23. With a record performance beckoning on the muggy July evening and the temperature well into the 80's.
Keemosabe was all alone in the lane against his State-bred rivals and urged up to the wire by driver Bruce Ranger to stop the clock in 1:51, a fifth of a second better than the effort last New Year's Eve by Big Bad John. Following next under the wire were Goldstar Raider in rein to Walter Ross Jr. and Goldstar Spike partnered by Richie Simard.
Keemosabe, bred by Tom Audley of Bell, FL is now an 8 time winner from 12 starts this year in South Florida. The newly crowned fastest 3 year old pacing colt in 48 years of harness racing history at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is trained by Stewart Nemiro from the Bruce Ranger Stable. Ownership of the son of Squaw's Fella from the Jate Lobell mare Bolero Athena is held by Jerry Glantz of Delray Beach, FL.
In the FSBOA series final for three year old male trotters, Trents Ringer completed a series sweep with a dominant front end performance in 2:01.2 with Tom Sells in tow. Coconspirator partnered by Mickey McNichol was second and Trefoil in rein to Bruce Ranger survived an inquiry to hold onto third in the $10,750 purse event. Trents Ringer is a 3 year old gelding by Wewering from the Incredible Abe mare Independent Marina. Scott Schwartz handles the training duites for owner Gino Mattucci of Bell, FL.
Also on the Saturday evening, July 21 program, the final Horse And Groom Of The Month Award for the 2011-2012 season at Pompano was presented by the Florida Chapter of the United States Harness Writers' Association (USHWA) to trotter Rising Tower and trainer Luanna Beeson. The 11 year old veteran trotter racked up 3 wins in June shortly after moving into the Beeson barn to earn the monthly honors.
Post time is 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25 and Saturday, July 28 for the last two programs of live harness racing at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing until the Fall Meet starts on September 19. Free race night live streaming, handicapping selections with Hall Of Famer John Berry, and much more is available in the 'racing' tab at www.theislepompanopark.com.
