They were under pressure late in the stretch like never before in their 2011 starts and the top divisional trotters all came through with flying colors in the second leg of the Sunshine State Stakes on Wednesday at Pompano Park

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All events turned to the gate for purses in excess of $5,300 in the 2011 five event series staged by the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association (FSBOA) for total purses of more than $1 million.

Topping the parade of state bred talent was Seeking Jeanie, who was able to remain undefeated in all ten lifetime starts to date. The three-year-old daughter of Wesgate Storm-Sightseek needed heavy late stretch urging from Wally Hennessey after her main rival, Little Peanut emerged from the pocket with Robert Williams, Jr. in the bike. The pair sprinted a final quarter in :28.4 with Seeking Jeanie finally holding on by a head in 2:03. Dan Hennessey trains Seeking Jeanie for owner Arthur Mergenhagen of Williston, FL.

Famous Hall, the top combatant in the three-year-old colt and gelding trot division, was also put to heavy pressure coming to the wire to win his second round split in the Sunshine State Stakes in 2:00 over his arch-rival Lugar, driven by Richie Simard. Famous Hall, with Wally Hennessey in tow, was rated through three quarters in 1:30.4 before the :29.1 sprint to the line for his fifth win in seven starts this year. Marc Aubin trains the 2010 Florida Breeders two-year-old champ for Amante Standardbreds of Delray Beach, FL.

Peace Please won her split in the two-year-old filly trot division in a life's mark of 2:03.3 with Tom Sells in the bike. The daughter of CR Kinetic-I Am Worthy Too was actually passed in the stretch by Selena with driver Warren Harp, but in the closing strides Selena went off stride and had to settle for the runner-up position. Peace Please is trained by Jim McDonald for Rod Allen Inc. of Ocala, FL.

Action continues in the Sunshine State Stakes on Saturday evening, July 23 at 6:15 p.m. prior to the regular Saturday night card.

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)