Godiva Seelster, once again handled by Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey for trainer Dan Hennessey, eked out a narrow decision over the late-charging Classic Carpet (driven by Kevin Wallis) to win the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace for mares on Tuesday night at Pompano Park.
The winning margin was a scant nose when the timer stopped at 1:53.4 with Mach It A Par (Dan Clements) third, two and a quarter lengths away, while Cam Funny was fourth. Stucklikeglue, who was making her Pompano Park debut, finished fifth in the nine-horse affair.
At the outset, Cam Funny, Classic Carpet and Godiva Seelster were all on the engine early. Godiva Seelster took command after an opening quarter mile tussle in :27.3.
Positions remained virtually unchanged through the :57 half with an outer flow developing with Mach Me Not, Mach It A Par and Stucklikeglue all in the outer tier but, as yet, not putting any pressure on the leader. Godiva Seelster reached the third station in 1:26, with Classic Carpet still in the pocket, Mach Me Not third on the outside and Cam Funny still skimming the pylons.
In the lane, Godiva was valiantly trying to protect her diminishing lead while Classic Carpet was gaining with every stride.
At the wire, it took a photo to decide the issue, and, upon review, ‘Godiva’ earned the narrow nod.
After the race, Hennessey said, "She was very game tonight...maybe not quite 100 per cent, but still very game, very determined. I kept her out last week when she didn't quite seem herself, so she might have been a little bit short tonight. Tonight she showed her gameness and determination. She is just amazing."
Not only did Godiva Seelster win for the 14th time this season, the daughter of Camluck won for the 25th time of her career. She has now earned $219,717 in purses for owners Paul and Patricia O'Neil.
Godiva also extended her streak of earning purse cheques to 72, a streak which encompasses her entire seasons as a three-year-old, four-year-old and, now, five-year-old.
Sent off at odds of 3-5, Godiva Seelster paid $3.40 to win.
The victory, incidentally, was one of four on the evening for Hennessey, who also scored with Jets Are On ($3.80), Landonfitz ($4.20) and Goldstar Classic ($4.00).
Hennessey now has 59 victories in the first 20 days of Pompano Park's meet.
Pompano will add Saturday racing to its live racing schedule this weekend, and Super Night will follow on Sunday night.
First-race post time is 7:30 p.m.
(Pompano Park)