Young American and Hillybilly put on star performances at Pompano Park on Saturday night while Maxines Menace finally reached the winner's circle after a drought that lasted almost one full year.
In the pacing feature for the mares, Young American, a four-year-old daughter of American Ideal, scored a handy win measuring 2-1/4 lengths for Bruce Ranger over the very tough 10-year-old mare Windsun Countess (Stephane Lareau) in a lifetime-best 1:54.1. Shes A Pegase (Tom Sells) finished third in the mile while Black Diamond Girl and Diamond Amber picked up the final two awards in the field of eight.
Trained by Frank Petrelli for owner Marissa Tyler, Young American made a very confident quarter move to the top just after the opening mark in :27.4, reached the half in :57, and then put together panels of :28.3 and :28.4 to seal the deal while never threatened once on top. She's now banked $19,062 for the year -- about 50 per cent more than she banked all of last year.
Hillybilly, the sharp Florida-bred three-year-old son of N Aboriginal, used a :27 backstretch blast to put away his competition in a condition-optional claiming event.
Also, handled by Bruce Ranger for trainer Marc Aubin, Hillybilly was relaxed off of the very hot opening panels of :26.2 and :55.4 before making a "double-bubble" move on the backside, catching the field flat-footed and opening up an insurmountable lead turning for home -- eight lengths.
He coasted home by 2-1/4 lengths over the stout-closing Freeneasy Hanover (Walter Ross Jr.). Angle Of Attack (Joe Sanzeri) finished third just a whisker ahead of Legal Dream (Ricky Thompson). Ricks Sign picked up the "nickel."
All American Major, scratched last week going for his sixth straight win, was "foiled again" this time around after making a quarter move for the top during the proceedings and not able to reach. He wound up sixth.
Hillybilly now has nine lifetime wins in 21 starts -- five this year -- good for career bounty of $57,000 and change for Amante Standardbreds.
Finally, Maxines Menace, a rugged 10-year-old son of Cambest, ended a 51-week drought by winning for Louie Ginesi in 1:54.3 for his initial victory this year in 21 starts. His last win was on July 7, 2012.
Maxines Menace is owned by Phyllis Smith along with trainer Howard Klohr and the win pushed his lifetime bankroll over the $225,000 mark.
(Pompano Park)