It looks the Kim and Jay Sears Stable has developed another standout in the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association (FSBOA) stakes series. In the 2012 debut for the state-bred two-year-old pacing colts and geldings in the $4,785 purse Sunshine Stakes, Diamond Master was flawless in winning his first lifetime start.
The field of a half-dozen first-time starters were taken to the three-quarters by another Sears Stable member, Wingull, and driver Bruce Ranger in 1:31.3. Diamond Master dutifully followed third in line until a few strides before the three-quarters and came out to challenge his stablemate. Through the stretch, driver Jay Sears offered no urging to the slick gaited Diamond Master, who was a well measured winner in 2:00.4. Wingull held second and Hillybilly in rein to Mickey McNichol was a close up third. The Sears Stable's promising homebred Diamond Master is a freshman colt by Six Of Diamonds from the Sealed N Delivered mare Perfectly Sealed.
In the secondnd leg of the FSBOA Series for three-year-old pacing colts and geldings, the domination by Keemosabe continued in the $5,500 purse test. Bruce Ranger had the Squaws Fella colt from the Jate Lobell mare Bolero Athena out front at the half in a leisurely :58.1 setting up a three-quarter clocking of 1:27. From there it was a :26.3 sprint home to hold off Goldstar Raider in rein to Walter Ross Jr. and Gold Star Spike with Richard Simard in tow in 1:53.3. Stewart Nemiro of the Ranger Stable conditions Keemosabe for Delray Beach, Florida owner Jerry Glantz.
The second leg of the FSBOA Series for three-year-old trotting and colts and geldings went to the gate for a $7,000 purse and Trents Ringer was a repeat winner from the front end in 2:01.1 with Tom Sells driving. Scott Schwartz conditions the Wewering-Independent Marina gelding for owner Gino Mattucci of Bell, Florida. Coconspirator rode the pocket for second with Mickey McNichol in tow and Lovable Guy with Jay Sears at the reins followed in for third.
The Saturday evening program also featured a comprehensive trackside slate of fun and interactive activities for guests of the South Florida plant. There was a Back To The Track t-shirt giveaway for the USTA's nation wide promotion in addition to a last player standing handicapping contest. Two fans won the chance to guest announce a race, and there were starting gate car rides along with a special one mile and 5/16ths long distance race won by veteran trotter Budlightning in rein to Dein Spriggs in 2:38.1.
When racing resumes on Wednesday, July 18, four non-wagering events in the 2012 FSBOA Series will start at 6:25 p.m. before the regular 7:05 p.m. program.
Just four cards remain in the 2011-2012 campaign at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing, with post time at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday and Saturday through July 28.
(Pompano Park)