A coup to overthrow the 'Queen Bee' at Pompano Park by a 'Senorita' failed on Monday night as Just A Bee withstood a furious late surge by Senorita Santanna to retain her coveted crown in a photo finish in the $12,500 Open Pace for Mares.
Driven by trainer Mike Micallef for owners Anita Micallef, John Mc Goff and Greg Heath, Just A Bee was used hard from her outside post at the outset to grab the top spot from a stubborn Senorita Santanna, driven by George Napolitano, Jr., prior to the opening panel, clocked in a sharp :26.3.
Once on top, Just A Bee continued to put up quick numbers, with the half in :55.2 and three-quarters in 1:23.4. Turning for home, Just A Bee was on her way to a :28 finale with Senorita Santanna clocked even a tick faster—the latter’s late charge falling a neck short in a mile timed in 1:51.4. Southwind Trini finished third for Bruce Ranger.
“We were in a bit of a war early and, after that, it was somewhat difficult to calm my mare down," said driver Mike Micallef. "To me, she was very impressive tonight as she kind of picked it up on her own on the backstretch and really dug in late. I was proud of her performance tonight.”
For Just A Bee, a seven year-old daughter of Mr Feelgood, it was her second straight win and fourth in seven starts this young season, pushing her seasonal bounty to $28,750. She’s banked $178,416 lifetime. Just A Bee returmed $3.20 to win.
(Pompano Park)