Esmeralda loops field to win Pompano feature

With an impressive three-wide move from last place on the final turn, Esmeralda Semalu ($3) and trainer-driver Joe Pavia Jr. were able to post a 1 1/4-length triumph in winning the $16,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace Tuesday at the Isle Pompano Park.

The seventh race feature started off with Biggest Big Bertha and driver Richard Simard taking the early lead from the rail with Golden Falcon N (David Ingraham) grabbing the two-hole spot by the opening quarter in a speedy :26.3.

After passing the half mile marker in :55.4 and going down the backstretch, Golden Falcon N and Ingraham pulled the pocket trip and came after Biggest Big Bertha with Sailor Made (Wally Hennessey) grabbing the second-over outside cover.

Past the three-quarters in 1:24.1 it became a cavalry charge as Biggest Big Bertha began to fade as Golden Falcon N took command and Sailor Made was gaining ground on the outside. But tipped three wide on the final turn in last place, Esmeralda Semalu was in high gear as she looped the field, collared the leaders coming down the stretch and pulled away at the finish to win in 1:54. A late-closing Catalina Morgan (Denis St. Pierre) was second with Sailor Made third.

It was the second straight victory in the top mares pace for Esmeralda Semalu, a 5-year-old mare by Electric Stena who is co-owned by the BJR Stables of Boca Raton and the AGC Stables of Highland Beach. The victory put Esmeralda Semalu’s career earnings over the $200,000 mark. (Pompano Park)

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