Trotter Whiteland Will is continuing to be a shining example of the standardbred breed for his durability at
Pompano Park.
"I don't know of many horses of any breed that could have overcome not one, but two potentially career ending injuries like Whiteland Will has," stated owner, trainer and driver Leon Cable after a front end victory in the January 11 Florida Amateur Driving Club (FADC) weekly trot. "I got him after he'd overcome his first injury. Here in Florida he got hurt again and it's only thanks to a full summer of rehab with my fellow FADC driver Laurie Lee Poulin that he was able to make yet another comeback."
In Tuesday evening's event for a $3,500 purse, the 12-year-old Garland Lobell--Windswept Pleasure gelding pulled Cable to the front as he usually does. In the stretch, race favourite Rustico Dance Hall, in rein to owner Troy Basista, emerged from the pocket, but could not get the best of Whiteland Will in the 2:00.1 mile. Ultimate Control, in rein to owner John Campagnuolo, closed hard from back in the pack for third. It was the 37th career victory for Whiteland Will to push his career earnings to more than $134,000.
"Yes, I did know it was last year's Billings Series driving champion Jamie Marra that was parked at my side past the half (with Blacksnake Blake), and it's just one of things that happens from time to time to every driver," Cable said. "The amateur drivers in this club have to do what the full-time drivers do and read the program to know my horse always goes to the front. I really enjoy being a part of this club since I know I don't have the ability to drive with the full-time guys. Because the FADC charter says our driving fees go to charity, I enjoy being a member because everyone gets a say on which organizations we give to."
Esmeralda Semalu Romps Again
An assigned outside post position and a first turn break by a rival horse just in front of her couldn't stop Esmeralda Semalu from romping again in the weekly $12,000 event for the top pacing mares in South Florida.
Joe Pavia, Jr. had the track record holder going wide in the first turn when Blind To See made a sudden break. That allowed Samantha Q, in rein to Doug Brown, to take the early lead which was surrendered to Nillabomb and Dan Clements just past the quarter. After the half in :56.4, Pavia decided he had seen enough, and Esmeralda Semalu made a huge third-to-first brush. She clicked off the third stanza in 1:24 and went on to win with daylight on the field in 1:52.3. An announcement is pending from the connections of Esmeralda Semalu on whether she'll be retired to broodmare status within the next month.
First-race post time is 7:05 p.m. (EST) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at Pompano. On Wednesday evening there's a $2,500 guaranteed Pick-4 wagering pool and 12 races on the program. Race night streaming and replays are available for free at theislepompanopark.com in the 'racing' section.
(Pompano)