Bad Angel got picture perfect handling from Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey to capture the first edition of the Open Trot for mares Tuesday night at Pompano Park.
The seven-year-old daughter of Valley Victor enjoyed a cozy garden journey, tilting out once they straightened away in the lane, and collared the leading Driving Miss Crazy (John Mac Donald) in the final 16th to win by a length in a lifetime best 1:54.4. Driving Miss Crazy was second followed by Mckenzies Star (Fern Paquet, Jr.).
At the outset, Hennessey sent Bad Angel, leaving from post six, blasting off the wings of the Hummer Starting Gate, assuming control around the first turn with Driving Miss Crazy, starting from post eight, on the prowl early and taking command just short of the :28.1 opener. Once on top, Driving Miss Crazy posted subsequent panels of :57 and 1:25.3 with Bad Angel’s nose breathing down Mac Donald’s helmet.
Hennessey continued to sit chilly with Bad Angel throughout the final bend and only left the cozy pocket once they straightened away completely, wearing down the leader late.
“Well, being in with the mares and no boys helped and, when Rick’s trotter (Shes All In) made a break early, well, that changed the complexion of the race right there,” said driver Hennessey. “I really wasn’t planning on leaving with her but, like I said, Rick’s mare made that break so I thought I’d take a chance.
“Once we got cover, I was pretty confident that we’d be, at least, close at the end but she really felt like she wanted to go tonight as her nose was right on the helmet around the final turn,” he added. “I didn’t have to ask her for much in the lane. She did it all on her own.”
Owned and trained by George Coblentz, Bad Angel won for the eighth time this semester, sending her seasonal bounty to $47,615, clearly her best season on the racetrack.
Prior to 2016, Bad Angel’s best season earnings-wise was in 2013, when she won $12,740, establishing a “Q” mark of 1:59.
Off of a very fast closing third place finish in a conditioned event last week, Bad Angel was sent off as the 7-1 fourth choice in the betting, returning $17.80 to win.
In the “better for the bettor” department, Pompano Park’s Thanksgiving eve racing program features a carryover in the Pentafecta fourth $4,666 going in.
There is also a $564 carryover in the Pick-6, as well.
Post time for the Wednesday program—the first mid-week program of the season—is set for 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)