A hearty winner at Pompano

The venerable Florida-bred gelding Hearty Fellow continued a career renaissance on Saturday when prevailing for the third time in his last four starts, taking the featured $15,500 Winners Over Handicap Pace at Pompano Park in 1:53.

Starting from post seven with Mickey McNichol at the lines, Hearty Fellow was driven aggressively off the gate and outfought Doctor Viagra (Anthony Napolitano) to seize control of the Saturday feature, taking the field through fractions of :28, :57.1, and 1:25.2.

The son of Hearty Welcome entered the stretch with a 1 ¼-length advantage, and was resilient down the lane to hold off late charges by Touch of Steel (Wally Hennessey) and Copper Color (Jim McDonald), who crossed the wire second and third respectively, beaten three-quarters of a length.

Hearty Fellow, who was coupled in the wagering with Sandstorm N, returned $5.20, $2.80, $2.40 for the win. Touch of Steel brought in $3, $2.60 for second, while Copper Color paid $3.60 for third.

Owned by Amante Standardbreds Inc. of Delray Beach, Hearty Fellow is a two-time winner of the Red Bow Tie Invitational for Florida-bred pacers, taking the 2005 and 2006 editions of the race.

With his victory in the Saturday feature, Hearty Fellow pushed his career bankroll over the $275,000 mark. (Pompano Park)

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