Following a break in stride in his lifetime debut on February 7, Bet On The Law was back to redeem himself as the overwhelming 1-9 choice in the opening race of the Tuesday program at Pompano Park
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The three-year-old gelding by Bettors Delight-Outlawed Beauty made every call a winning one with trainer Joe Pavia, Jr. in the bike against maiden rivals. After dictating the pace to the half in :59.1, Bet On The Law accelerated away to the last turn in 1:27.3 and stopped the clock in 1:55.1. Espee Express driven by Robert Hoffman and Red Feather with Wally Hennessey in tow followed next under the wire.
Bet On The Law did not race as a two-year-old. He was sold as hip 82 for $42,000 at the 2010 Harrisburg Sale. Ownership is shared by Steven Held and Joseph Barbera of New York, along with the Dijo and AGC Stables of Florida. It was the only appearance on the Tuesday evening card for Joe Pavia, Jr. and his lifetime win total now stands at 4,991 in the bike.
One of the hottest horses of 2012 in South Florida is three-year-old pacing filly To Tell The Truth, who is now a five-time winner from six starts this year. Trainer/driver Wayne Henry gave the filly a textbook pocket trip behind a fast half in a $4,000 filly and mare conditioned test and she stepped out in the stretch to earn a 1:54.3 life's record.
To Tell The Truth, by Tell All-Living With Art was a modest $3,000 yearling purchase as hip 676 at the 2010 Harrisburg Sale. Ownership is held by Shelley Henry of Arthur, ON.
The Florida Amateur Drivers Club (FADC) participated in the FSBOA-Florida USHWA annual gala recently with awards to their fully licensed trainers and drivers who give up the customary 5% driving fees as part of the Club's membership charter. This has made it possible for the FADC to donate almost $125,000 to date to charitable equine causes in South Florida.
“It takes the cooperation of so many to make this all possible,” said Jamie Marra, FADC President, “And these well deserved awards are just a small token of our appreciation.”
The top trainers for the FADC - those who have entered horses in the FADC events - were Don Brainard, Jim Langley, Betty Jean Calice and Marc Majo. Major took down the top spot in the trainer standings with veteran performer Docs All Class among the charges he has entered for weekly competition in FADC races.
The top trio of drivers was Dein Spriggs (3rd), Joe Pennacchio (2nd) and Jamie Marra, who took the crown as FADC Driver of the Year on the strength of 10 wins in 28 trips to the gate.
Other highlights included special awards to Luanna Beeson, who recorded her first lifetime driving win at age 49 in the Valentine's program Sweetheart Trot, and to 30-year-old Tom Santeramo who was recognized as the Club’s “Rising Star" on the strength of five wins in his first eight lifetime drives.
(Pompano Park)