Second Sister, catch-driven by John MacDonald, sizzled over the Pompano Park oval on Monday night (April 23), as she stopped the timer in 1:54.2 in the Open II Handicap Trot.
The six-year-old daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe started from Post 8 and forged her way to the front just before the :28 opening panel. She then tacked on subsequent fractions of :57.2 and 1:25.4 before her :28.3 finale soundly put the finishing touches on the victory.
Diamond Dagger, handled by Dave Ingraham, was second, almost six lengths away, while Modern Mercury, with Wally Hennessey in her sulky, was another neck back in third. Vicki All and Celebrity Artemis also earned minor awards in the classy field.
Driver MacDonald, catch-driving the mare after regular driver Jim Meittinis chose to drive stablemate Prairie Diamonds, had high praise for Second Sister. "Well,” he said, “this is a very fast mare and a pleasure to drive. I thought I might have a tougher time trying to make the lead, but we got there easier than I thought. Once we got to the front, we didn't really have much pressure and she did this all on her own. She was very impressive and her manners were impeccable."
Second Sister, catch-driven by John MacDonald, sizzled to victory in 1:54.2 in Pompano Park's Open Trot on Monday night (Skip Smith Photo)
With regard to Johnny Mac's last statement, trainer Mike Deters said, "She (Second Sister) was bred a short time ago to Cantab Hall and, since then, she's been very happy and very calm. This mile was tremendous and, overcoming this type of competition and the outside post, was very impressive. I am very proud of her."
Deters trains the mare for owner Jerold Hawks.
Second Sister paid $6.60 to her many faithful.
Racing at Pompano will continue on Tuesday night, as Boli and Prairie Fortune are set to lock horns in the featured Open Trot. Thundercrest, Celebrity Eventsy, Overnight Shipper, Entranced, Jack Rules and War Cry Hall will complete the field.
In the ‘better for the bettor’ department, there is a $4,281 carryover in the track’s Pick-6, which will begin in Race 3.
Post time for the card is 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)