Just A Bee returned to the racing wars after a week off and used a big backstretch blitz to score a two-length win in 1:51 for driver Mike Micallef in Pompano Park's $12,000 Open Pace for the mares.
The six-year-old daughter of Mr Feelgood, owned by Anita Micallef along with John Mc Goff and Greg Heath, earned her ninth win of the year at the expense of De Vins Girl. Mcflirty, the early leader then the victim of the "Meadowlands Shuffle," shook loose in the lane to finish third
Mcflirty darted out for the early lead with Just A Bee away alertly as well and settling in the garden spot early. Pertty Music was a step or two back leaving but on the move early, reaching the top past the opening quarter in :26.3. Pertty Music continued on the front end through a :55 half but Just A Bee was on her aforementioned blitz and she claimed the lead in short order prior to the third station clocked in 1:23 with De Vins Girl on the chase. In the lane, Just A Bee left no doubt as she coasted home an easy winner.
“With so much early speed evident in the race, I really didn't know what was going to happen early but I took a chance and left, hoping to get some cover...after all, all of these mares are capable of going (1):50 and a piece,” said driver Mike Micallef. “Pertty Music probably was stung a bit getting to the top so, midway on the backside, I took my shot with my mare (Just A Bee) and she really responded big time tonight. When we reached the top, I was confident that she could go on from there...and she did!"
The victory pushed her earnings for the year to $60,345. She's now banked $142,666 lifetime.
She returned $9.80.
(With files from Pompano Park)