There's more sunshine than usual in the weeks ahead in The Sunshine State at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. That's guaranteed because the state-bred trotters and pacers have had their final tune-ups for the Wednesday, July 13 opening leg of the 2011 Sunshine State Stakes

. It's the first of five stakes events this year for the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association (FSBOA).

"The total purses for the Florida stakes program is back above $1 million in 2011 and we think that's an important level to maintain," says Thomas Hicks, the recently appointed Executive Director of the FSBOA. "We are of the view that's it a great time to invest in Florida harness racing and the breeding and stakes program here. The Sunshine State Stakes will dominate things here in July and we're anticipating an intense and exciting campaign this Fall as well leading up to the Florida Super Night," he adds. "That two-year-old filly trot qualifier here this evening was another fine preview of what's just ahead."

The qualifier Hicks was speaking of was a non-wagering event staged before the 13-race Wednesday evening regular card. Mica Michelle, a two-year-old daughter of Feel Like A Winner-Florine B, impressed again in a handy 2:04 spin. Richie Simard was in the bike for owner Peter Griffis of Coral Springs, Florida and trainer George Lindsay.

Other July 6 winners tuning up for the Sunshine State Stakes included outstanding three-year-old colt trotter Famous Hall in 1:58.1 with Wally Hennessey in the bike for Amante Standardbreds of Delray Beach, Florida and trainer Marc Aubin; and three-year-old pacing gelding Hard Carbon, who stepped to a life's mark of 1:57 with Richie Simard in tow for trainer Mark Friedman and his Polo Stables of Boca Raton, Florida.

Racing resumes on Saturday, July 9 with 13 races heading to the starting gate.

Post time is 7:05 p.m. Eastern every Wednesday and Saturday in July for the final month of the current meet at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing with free live race night streaming and replays in the 'racing' tab at www.theislepompanopark.com. Following a six week dark period starting on July 31, live racing will resume on Wednesday, September 21 preceded by qualifying sessions on September 10 and 17.

(Pompano Park)