Lucky Artist A, confidently handled by Mike Simons, took top honours in Pompano Park's $11,500 Open I Handicap Pace for mares on Tuesday night, stopping the timer in a lifetime best 1:51.1.
The eight-year-old daughter of Artistic Fella made a bold first-up bid on the backside, engaged in an all-out war with the favourite, Crisp Mane (David Miller), during the final quarter, and prevailed by a half length over the latter, with the late-charging Tempus Seelster (Joe Chindano Jr.) just another nose back in third.
As the wings folded, Tempus Seelster left sharply from post six into a quick early lead with Crisp Mane, leaving from post seven, on the prowl and taking command at the opening panel in :27. Shortly after the half in a snappy :55.2, Simons tilted Lucky Artist A outside from fourth and sent her on a :26.4 backside blitz to engage Crisp Mane in war at the third station in 1:23.1. In the lane, it was nip and tuck with Tempus Seelster also joining the fray in deep stretch with Lucky Artist emerging on top when it counted.
In a post-race interview, Simons related, "This was the first time I drove this mare and I knew she had talent because she's been competitive in the top class before. On the backside, I thought, 'If I sit too long, I'll get shuffled,' so I gave her a chance to go and she was really strong. Pretty impressive that she gained during a very quick third quarter and she didn't give an inch. Very powerful performance, I would say."
Trained by Jared Cooper for the Robert Cooper Stables, Lucky Artist A won for the 20th time in her career, sending her lifetime bounty to $140,936. She paid $9.40 to win.
In the $10,000 Open II Pace for mares, Casies Believer, driven by Joe Chindano Jr., used a backstretch surge from fourth into the lead at the final bend and went on to win by 3-3/4 lengths in a lifetime best 1:51.1. Jazzy Image (David Miller) was second while Take Abit Of Life (Mike Simons) closed fastest of all to finish third.
Casies Believer, a six-year-old daughter of Betterthancheddar owned and trained by Chindano, earned her 15th career win — her first this year — to send her lifetime bankroll to $108,234. She paid $6.20 as the 2-1 favourite.
Wally Hennessey had a driving triple on the Tuesday program with Trottin For Cash ($13.20), Glenferrie Blade A ($3.80) and Wild Nite Tina ($6.60), while David Miller and Corey Braden each had driving doubles on the card.
Racing continues of Wednesday night (Feb. 10) with a $15,000 guaranteed pool in the Pick-4 and a Super Hi-5 carryover of $3,803.42. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
(Pompano Park)