Blissfull Romance, smartly handled by Hall of Fame Driver Wally Hennessey, bested a million dollar field of mares on Monday night with a sharp 1:53.4 performance at Pompano Park.

The versatile Blissfull Hall four-year-old, seemingly taking advantage of a field showing little early speed from the innermost posts, darted out of the gate along with lukewarm favourite Bay Girl (Rick Plano) and forced that mare to take a seat in the garden spot through an opening panel of :27.2.

Carving out a “soft” half of :56.2, Blissfull Romance got her first real challenge heading into the far turn as Bay Girl left her cozy pocket to engage the leader around the final bend with the three-quarters clocked in 1:25.1.

Turning for home, Blissfull Romance proved that she had more than enough left to put away Bay Girl and hold off the late surge of Gold Star Glitter (Matt Romano) to score by a half length.

Trainer Eric Beach had high praise for the both Hennessey and Blissfull Romance.

“This mare has stayed very sharp for a long time and she’s become very versatile,” said Beach. “She can leave and relax - a great quality in any racehorse - and Wally gave her a picture perfect journey. This is a very competitive group of mares and I am proud of her accomplishments.”

Hennessey, in turn, credited trainer Beach, as well.

“Eric has done a remarkable job keeping this mare sharp for such a long time,” said Hennessey. “She’s right there with them every week pacing her miles in (1):52 and a piece or (1):53. She’s a pleasure to drive.”

For Blissfull Romance, owned by Trifecta 246 and trained by Eric Beach, it was her 12th lifetime win in 46 starts pushing her lifetime bounty to $65,335.

(Pompano Park)