Andover America, with Bruce Ranger handling his lines, eked out a narrow victory in Pompano Park's Open I Trot on Wednesday night (April 10) in 1:55.2.
The classy eight-year-old son of Andover Hall dug in late in his mile to hold off the furious late charge of Ill Tell You What (driven by Dave Ingraham) to win by a head with the very fast closing Pure Barre (Mickey McNichol) third and only three parts of a length away.
The favourite, Illusionsndreams, handled by Andy Santeramo, finished fourth while Increditable, trotting the fastest final panel for Stephane Lareau, finished fifth in the eight-horse field.
Andover America, relaxed early on from the rail post, was five lengths away at the quarter as Illusionsndreams cut an opener of :27.2 and preceded to the half in :56.2 with Lugar (Kevin Wallis), leaving from the outside, nestled in second followed by Ill Tell You What and Andover America.
Along the backside, Ranger sent his charge first up and into contention with Ill Tell You What following the live cover.
After the three-quarters mark was reached in 1:25.3, Andover America moved alongside and then disposed of Illusionsndreams. Andover America managed to hold off Ill Tell You What at the wire for his 46th career victory.
In a post-race interview, Ranger said, "He's been a bit off his game recently, but last week (he) gave me a hint that he's starting to return to his great form in the past. He probably trotted his third quarter in :28 and a small piece (:28.3) and he kept digging to the wire. He's a classy, hard fighting trotter."
(With files from Pompano)