Pure Barre, the only mare in Pompano Park's $10,000 Open Handicap Trot, took top honours on Wednesday after getting picture perfect rating from driver Mickey McNichol.
The six-year-old daughter of Classic Photo, owned and trained by Tom Gonsalves, scored in 1:54.3 by three parts of a length over the late-surging Jolenes Pinehonker, driven by Mark O'Mara. Photo King and Rick Plano, skimmed the pylons the entire route to finish third while My Revenuer, trotting the fastest final panel in thee field (:27.4), finished fourth, edging out Andover America for the 'nickel' in the field of six.
Pure Barre was on the engine early, assuming command from Andover America midway through the first turn and took the field to the quarter in :28. With no challenges during the next panel, McNichol lolly-gagged through the second quarter in :30. No challenges materialized until the final turn when Andover America left the pocket, but could get no closer than three-quarters of a length away through a third quarter in :28.2. Turning for home, favourite Jolenes Pinehonker tilted out widest of all with Photo King on the inside, but Purse Barre sprinted home in :28.1 to seal the deal.
In a post-race interview, McNichol said, "...Anytime this mare gets away with a half in :58, you know she is going to be tough...and she was tough tonight. She's a very game thing and can finish a mile as good as she starts a mile. Tonight kind of proved that point."
For Pure Barre, the victory was her fourth in six starts this year, sending her earnings to $25,280. The win also sent her lifetime bounty over the $200,000 mark -- now at $204,145.
As second choice on the toteboard at 8-5, Pure Barre returned $5.20.
The Open 2 Trot went to Ed Hensley's Jessesjo, who after losing his second over cover on the backside due to a breaker in front of him, made a monster brush to the lead during a :28.1 third quarter -- his :27.2 -- and scored in 1:55.1.
The seven-year-old son of Jailhouse Jesse won for the second time this year -- and 20th lifetime -- to send his career bankroll to $225,918.
Iron Will (Simon Allard) finished second two lengths away while Glittering Muscles (Bryce Fenn) finished third. Dream Lake and Blushing Hanover also picked up cheques in the field of eight.
As the 3-2 favourite, Jessesjo paid $5 to win.
(Pompano Park)