Bad Angel, handled by Tom Jackson, desperately seeking some racing room when it counted, found some in the final sixteenth to score a narrow victory as the popular 'Over-The-Hill Gang' trotting series continued at Pompano Park on Monday night.
As stiff westerly winds reaching 30 miles-per-hour continued to pound South Florida, the eight-year-old daughter of Valley Victor stopped the clock in 1:56.1 and halted the four-race winning streak of My Revenuer (Brad Kramer) by a head with PCs Wildcard (Wally Hennessey) third, a half-length off the winner. The pacesetting Shes All In was fourth while Rush N Supreme picked up the final award in the septet.
At the outset, Bad Angel, with the wind at her back, left with alacrity from her coveted post five and quickly yielded to the favoured Shes All In (Rick Plano) around turn one to gain cover from the wind that began to blast at the leader’s face at the opener in :27.3 with PCs Wildcard neatly settled in third. Ramzan was an unhurried fourth at this point with My Revenuer next, but out and driving three-eighths into the mile.
Shes All In reached the half in :57 with Bad Angel content to be drafted along in second and My Revenuer moving alongside but the pace soon picked up with a tailwind at their back during the third quarter.
With the third station reached in a picked-up 1:25, Shes All In seemed to be on a comfortable lead with My Revenuer challenging and Bad Angel locked up tight along the inside.
In the lane and against the strong headwind, My Revenuer stuck his head in front of Shes All In with Bad Angel looking for room, first, towards the inside and, when nothing materialized there, shifting on between horses.
In a fierce battle to the line, Bad Angel put her nose on the wire first with her :31-second finale conquering that headwind and, more importantly, her six foes.
In a post-race interview, driver Tom Jackson related, “Usually, the inside opens up and there’s room to get through but, tonight, there was nothing there so I saw a seam between the leader and Brad’s horse (My Revenuer) and she really dug in late to get it done.
“That wind was fierce tonight, so I was probably lucky that I didn’t find anything on the inside because the wind would have hit us that much sooner.
“She went a brave trip, alright.”
Owned and trained by George Coblentz, Bad Angel won for the second time this semester and now has a dozen wins lifetime. She’s now banked $96,236—more than half of that during her seven and now eight year-old years. Bad Angel returned $11.40 to her faithful.
Racing continues on Tuesday night with a talented sextet of trotters going to the Hummer Starting Gate in the $12,000 Open Handicap Trot.
Rockn Stien, fresh off a victory in his Pompano Park debut last week, has been installed as the 3-2 morning favourite and will have Peter Wrenn back in the bike.
Looking to rebound after a tough journey last week is Tater Twister, whose winning streak was halted by Rockn Stien last week. Mike Simons is expected in the sulky on Tuesday night.
Massacaia, Gold Savage, Massive Lightning and Swan Handicap complete the field.
The Tuesday program also features a $10,000 guaranteed Pick-4 pool.
Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
CARRYOVERS AND GUARANTEES HIGHLIGHT TUESDAY POMPANO PROGRAM
In Pompano Park's 'better for the bettor' department, there are three items that fit that mold for the Tuesday night program.
First, the Pick-6, conducted on races three through eight, has a season high carryover of $8,137. That wager has been unscathed the past two programs.
Next, Pompano Park's Pick-4, on races six through nine, will feature a $10,000 Guaranteed pool.
Finally, the Super Hi-5 finale has a carryover of $21,330 going into the Tuesday program.
First race post time is set for 7:20 with the $12,000 Open Trot being the feature.
(Pompano Park)