With the sure hands of veteran Tom Sells at the lines, Trents Ringer was able to avoid the breaking challenges that had plaqued him last month in the Sunshine State Stakes. It was smooth sailing all the way this time as Trents Ringer rewarded his backers at 10-1 if they'd stayed with him for this win in 2:01 by wide open lengths over Coconspirator driven by Mickey McNichol and Vanili Ice with Bob Roberts in tow. Trents Ringer, a 3 year old gelding by Wewering from the Incredible Abe mare Independent Marina, is trained by Scott Schwartz for owner Gino Mattucci of Bell, FL.
In the opening leg of the FSBOA Stakes for the 3 year old colt and gelding pacers, Keemosabe continued his winning ways in the State-bred program for 2012. With Bruce Ranger in the bike, Keemosabe sat behind the fast early fractions of 26.1 and 55.1 as Diamond Cowboy with Jay Sears and Goldstar Raider in rein to Walter Ross Jr. exchanged the lead. Heading into the final turn, Keemosabe roared by the winded lead pair to a widening lead enroute to stopping the clock in 1:51.4 for the fastest mile of the entire card. Goldstar Raider held second over his stablemate, Goldstar Spike, driven by Richie Simard. Keemosable, by Squaw's Fella from the Jate Lobell mare Bolero Athena, is trained by Stewart Nemiro of the Ranger Stable for owner Jerry Glantz of Delray Beach, FL.
In the $8,500 purse Isle Mile Open Handicap Pace, Maxine's Menace was off at 14-1 as the longest odds offering in the field but swept by his rivals late to win in 1:52.3 with Louie Ginesi in the bike. Favored Northern Companion used his usual late rally to take down second with Robert Hoffman in tow and Sugar's Pride driven by Bruce Ranger was third. Phyllis Smith of Delray Beach, FL owns Maxine's Menace in tandem with trainer Howard Klohr, and the 9 year old Cambest-Maxines Bandit gelding thus earned his 25th win for over $205,000 in career earnings.
When racing resumes on Wednesday, July 11, the State-bred two year olds make their 2012 debut with an early start to the non-wagering action at 6:30 p.m. Through July 28, post time is 7:05 p.m. at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing every Wednesday and Saturday evening. 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.
