Zeitgeist, handled by owner Dein Spriggs, claimed the second leg of the Florida Amateur Driving Club Late Closing Event at Pompano Park on Saturday night, stopping the teletimer in 1:58.4.
The eight-year-old gelded son of S Js Caviar, trained by Allen Saul, came from well off the pace to post the victory measuring 1-3/4 lengths over stablemate Good Feeling, also owned by Spriggs, catch-driven this night by John Campagnuolo. Tymal Recap, far back early on, got up for third with Jeff Schaefer in the bike.
It was Leonardo on the engine when the gate opened with Leon Cable steering that one through an opening quarter in :28 before yielding to Rel Cash Clown, breaking the half mile beam in a hot :56.4.
On the backside, Good Feeling, away comfortably in third, marched up first over to engage the leader as the quick pace began to take its toll on the leader. Zeitgeist, meanwhile, got the perfect second over journey and got wended his way into striking distance past the third station in 1:28.3.
In the lane, Good Feeling took command—but not for long as Zeitgeist had that one measured at mid-stretch and then drew away late.
“Obviously, the quick pace helped us in a big way and, when Campy (driver John Campagnuolo) pulled on the backside, I just followed him,” said driver Dein Spriggs. “Zeitgeist just keeps trying all the time until he gets the job done. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 2:00 mile or a 1:58 mile, he finds a way to get there.”
For Zeitgeist, it was victory number nine this year sending his seasonal bounty to $31,223 and $114,583 lifetime. Zeitgeist paid $3.00 to win.
Spriggs, by the way, notched his 27th victory of the year in just 82 starts with his 27-14-11 scorecard tallying a lofty .465 UDRS average.
The regular Florida Amateur Driving Club trot went to P L Humanity, driven by owner-trainer Dennis Whittemore.
This four-year-old altered son of Striking Sahbra overcame a slight bobble prior to the start to post a near gate-to-wire one length win in 1:59.2, pinning the defeat on Kickoff Hanover, with Jamie Macomber driving.
Sharpshootennorris was third for Leon Cable.
In the process, P L Humanity stretched his winning streak to two to send his 2015 earnings to $21,400. P L Humanity paid $5.80 to win.
Racing continues on Sunday night with the highlight being the $17,700 Powerline Pace for claiming horses and geldings.
Post time is 7:30 p.m.
(Pompano Park)