Sandalonia, given a superb drive by Mickey McNichol, rolled by the 1-2 post-time favourite, J D Eleven Bells (driven by Rick Plano), in mid-stretch to capture the $10,000 final of the Sunshine State Stakes for two year-old pacing fillies at Pompano Park on Wednesday night (October 30).
The consistent daughter of Six Of Diamonds, trained by Sandy Hollon for owner Heddy Nelson, pushed her scorecard to 3-3-2 from eight lifetime starts with a lifetime-best performance timed in 1:57.4, lopping more than two seconds off of her previous best winning time.
Gold Star Jessica (Bob Williams Jr.), who was sent off at odds of 97-1, finished a fast-closing third, just a length off the winner. Marion was fourth while Mustang Sally picked up the ‘nickel’ in the field of nine.
Away alertly in her field, Sandalonia showed her usual gate speed before yielding for the garden journey as J D Eleven Bells took command around the first turn.
The latter clocked panels of :28.2, :57.1 and 1:27.1 with Sandalonia lurking boldly turning for home before edging clear late.
In a post-race interview, driver McNichol said, “…this filly is very handy and very well-mannered for a two year-old. She can leave, relax and then has the ability to sprint late. She got a great trip tonight!”
As fourth choice on the board, Sandalonia paid $28.00 on a successful Win wager.
In the featured winner’s over trot, Gale Warning, driven by Wally Hennessey, knifed through between horses late to score a length win in 1:56.1. Owned by Ciro Gentile along with trainer Rod Lorenzo, the 10-year-old won for the 59th time in his illustrious career. The win sent his lifetime bounty over $620,000.
(With files from Pompano)