Celebrity Legacy took top honours in Pompano Park's trotting feature on Wednesday, June 6, as he scored a handy wire-to-wire win in 1:55.3 for driver Bruce Ranger.
The seven-year-old altered son of Windsongs Legacy scored a two-length decision over Like a Gator (driven by Kevin Wallis). Tug River Dylan (Dave Ingraham) finished third, while My Revenuer and Dutchess Seelster picked up the final two cheques in the field of seven.
Leaving from the coveted Post 5, Celebrity Legacy battled briefly for the top spot with Like A Gator before reaching the quarter in :28.1. With no immediate pursuers, Ranger went on to rate a 58.3 opening half and then repelled a backstretch bid from Tug River Dylan on the final turn. Celebrity Legacy then easily held off Like A Gator on the strength of a final panel in :28.3.
Owned by Stewart Nemiro, Celebrity Legacy won for the fourth time this year and sent his 2013 bankroll to $29,720.
In a post-race interview, Ranger said, "He's just a solid campaigner that gives his all every start. When I got that second quarter breather, I felt confident that he could get home in :57 and change and he fulfilled my expectations...and then some."
As the even-money tote-board favourite, Celebrity Legacy returned $4.20 on a successful Win wager.
Also on the card, the veteran campaigner Budlightning, handled by Dave Ingraham for owner-trainer Diane Hellen, won for the 53rd time during his courageous career, scoring in 1:59.2 in a claiming event.
The 12-year-old has been either first, second or third in over half of his 274 lifetime starts, which has helped him push his career bankroll to $347,243.
(With files from Pompano Park)