All Charged Up, with John MacDonald handling her lines, squeaked by the narrowly favoured Gold Star Mysti (driven by James Yoder) in the final stride to capture Pompano Park's $10,000 Open Pace for mares on Monday night (November 20).
All Charged Up stopped the timer in 1:53.2. Dreas Good Powow (Andy Santeramo) finished third, five and a half lengths away, while Goldstar Rockette and A Wish For Wings completed the order of finish in the classy quintet.
All Charged Up, a six year-old daughter of Ponder, also trained by MacDonald, ditched her usual ‘early speed’ tactics. She conceded the early speed duel to Goldstar Rockette and A Wish For Wings. The latter took command at the opening station in :28.1 and continuing on to a half in :56.2. Dreas Good Powow followed in third, as did Gold Star Mysti and All Charged Up, some five lengths off the lead.
On the backside, Gold Star Mysti began her sprint forward with All Charged Up following in her hoof prints. By the time they reached the third station (1:25.2) Gold Star Mysti was alongside the leader with All Charged Up second over and ready to roll widest of all turning for home.
In the lane, Gold Star Mysti took command with All Charged Up surging through her final quarter in :27.3 to nudge by at the wire.
In a post-race interview, a surprised MacDonald said, "You know, I thought she (All Charged Up) might be a little short this week because she had been off for about three weeks. She does like to leave, yes, but I was content to let her follow JD's (Yoder) mare (Gold Star Mysti) because she has won from off the pace before. She does anything you ask.
"I wasn't sure if we could beat them tonight but, again, she's a rugged mare that doesn't train too much and gives everything she's got. She's got a great attitude.”
Owned by the J P Stables, All Charged Up won for the seventh time in what was only her 15th start. She has earned $40,660 this season. Career-wise, the brave mare now has 30 wins and $264,082 to go along with her 1:51.2 mark over the larger Vernon Downs oval.
Off as the 6-5 second choice in the betting, All Charged Up returned $4.40 to her multitude of followers.
Pompano racing will continue on Tuesday night with a Super Hi-5 carryover of $15,630 awaiting.
Post time is 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)