Jolenes Pinehonker, using a somewhat uncharacteristic racing strategy, took top honours in Wednesday night's $10,000 Open Handicap Trot at Pompano Park in 1:55.1.
The five year-old son of Pinetucky, driven by trainer Mark O'Mara for owner Lester Raber, has been known for his rousing stretch rallies, especially in his winning performances, but, on this night, he was on the bit from the get-go, taking the lead right at the initial marker timed in :28.3 before yielding to arch-rival Pure Barre, handled by Mickey McNichol, who took the field half way through the mile in :57.2. Midway on the backside, ‘Pinehonker’ brushed right back to the front and led the rest of the way, reaching the third station in 1:26.2 and then holding off Pure Barre with a :28.4 finale – his margin on the line was a half length.
Photo King, with Joe Pavia Jr. in the bike, was third, followed by Mr Joe Sixpack and Thekeptman, who picked up the nickel. Last week's winner, My Revenuer, made a miscue at the beginning and finished sixth in the sextet.
For Jolenes Pinehonker, it was his fourth win in 10 starts this year, good for $31,100 in bounty so far this young season. He's banked $345,945 lifetime.
In a post-race interview, O'Mara said, "He's such a handy horse and you can do anything you want with him...leave...not leave...it just doesn't matter to him. He still seems to have something in reserve when it counts. I thought that, in this short of a field, that the mare (Pure Barre) would leave and get a cheap half again with no chance to make up ground on her...she's such a tough mare on the front. So, we kind of turned the tables on her game tonight."
As second choice in the betting at 9-5 – Purse Barre was 9-5, too, but with a few more dollars on her nose – Jolenes Pinehonker paid $5.80 to win.
(Pompano)