After the two preliminary July legs of the Florida Standardbred Breeders And Owners Association (FSBOA) Stakes, there was very little separating the three-year-old filly pace division's arch rivals Quail and Gold Star Gidget.
They were true to form again as a scant nose decision was earned by Gold Star Gidget in the $10,300 purse FSBOA final highlighting the Wednesday, July 18 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.
Quail, with Bruce Ranger in the bike, was stung to the quarter in :27.4 by Prairie Lee, in rein to Tom Sells, while Gold Star Gidget was settled into fourth spot by Walter Ross Jr. Quail dictated the middle fractions of :59-seconds and 1:28.1, with Gold Star Gidget unleashed for a final half outside gain as the field turned into the backstretch the final time. By the top of the stretch, the state-bred rivals were on level terms and stayed that way to the wire in 1:55.3. The photo finish camera gave the nod to Gold Star Gidget on the outside by a nostril flare.
Tom Audley is the breeder, owner and trainer of the filly by Rock On from the Dragon Again mare Squisita. Her 2012 record is now 3-3-4 from 10 starts for over $16,400 in season's earnings.
In the FSBOA three-year-old filly trot final for an $11,000 purse, favoured Selena went off-stride early and was no factor. Dessert Princess was given a textbook pocket trip by Jim McDonald to haul down Pinch Of Thyme, partnered by Mel Turcotte, in 1:59.4. Teal, with Jay Sears driving, was well back in third.
McDonald also trains the improving Dessert Princess, by Basil from the Balanced Image mare Must B Wonderful, for owners Carolyn Smiley of Palm City, Florida and John Menges of Jensen Beach, Florida.
The Sunshine State Stakes second leg was contested in four divisions for the state-bred two-year-old for purses ranging from $4,600 to $4,900. In the two-year-old colt and gelding trot first division, Tim T continued as the best in the division with a handy 2:05 romp with Tom Sells in the bike. Mike Deters trains the promising colt by Basil from the Valley Victory dam Princess Michele for local owners Fred Morosini, Mike Prendergast and Ken Fritz.
The other division for the two-year-old colt and gelding trotters was won by Railee Kwik in 2:07.1. Jim Gluhm of Trenton, Florida is the breeder, owner, trainer and driver of the son of Basil from the Donerail mare Railee Super.
Hollys Diamond won the lone division for two-year-old filly trotters in 2:05.3 with Jay Sears in the bike. Kim Sears trains the quickly improving daughter of Basil from the Coleman Lobell mare Lookslikenorma for owners Johanna and Charles Beaver of Delaware, Ohio.
In the lone division for two-year-old pacing fillies, Dona was a dominant winner in an outstanding clocking of 1:57, which included a final quarter of :28.1. Tom Lehmann of Sarasota, Florida is the owner, trainer and driver of the rookie miss by Tough Sir from the Big Towner dam Mystic Millenium. Seven Arias, partnered by DeShawn Minor, gave chase from a pocket trip but could not catch Dona.
When racing resumes on Saturday evening, July 21, non-wagering action in the FSBOA 2012 series will commence at 6:35 p.m. before the regular program. Just three programs remain in the 2011-2012 season at The Winter Capital Of Harness Racing, with post time at 7:05 p.m. on July 21, 25, and 28. The South Florida plant's 2012-2013 campaign will commence on Wednesday, September 19.
(Pompano Park)