Literally 1/1000th of a second decided the winner of Pompano Park's feature trot on Tuesday night (Nov. 27).
Muscles For Life, driven by Wally Hennessey, eked out the photo finish win over The Lionking AS, who had Kevin Wallis in the bike.
Both trotters were timed in 1:53.4, but Muscles For Life was timed exactly in 1:53.807 and Thelionking AS clocked in 1:53.808, according to the American Teletimer photo watch.
Joey Pro finished third for Corey Braden, four lengths away, while Railee Workable and Stache earned the final cheque in the field of nine.
At the outset, both The Lionking AS (Post 5) and Muscles For Life (Post 9) went in search of the lead, with the latter out-muscling the former in the :27.4 opening quarter.
Once on top, Hennessey was able to rate a second quarter, as he reached the half in :57.4. The pace quickened noticeably along the backside, as Muscles For Life and The Lionking AS remained ‘one-two’ past the third bend in 1:25.4.
Turning for home, the two trotters went toe to toe in an all-out war to the finish.
Lamenting about the race, Hennessey said, "It was a classic dog fight, wasn't it? My horse trotted his last half in :56, so I know he wasn't quitting and Kevin' horse was as game as they come. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure if he got me or not...it was that close."
Muscles For Life is a six-year-old son of Muscle Mass that is trained by Steve Oldford for owner Jarold Hawks. The win was his 13th of the year, which vaulted his 2019 bankroll over the $100,000 plateau. Lifetime, Muscles For Life has won 25 of his 75 career starts, good for $290,590.
As the 1-5 tote-board favourite, Muscles For Life paid $2.40 to his multitude of faithful.
(Pompano Park)