Prairie Big John ties Pompano track mark

Prairie Big John took honors in Pompano Park's Open I Trot while Dutchess Seelster tied the track record for aged trotting mares with her win in the Open II Trot on Wednesday night.

 

Prairie Big John escaped with his victory in a three-horse photo with a determined lunge at the end of his 1:56 mile for Tom Sells, who was in the bike for co-owners (and trainer) Mike Deters, Laurie Poulin and Fred Morosini. I'll Tell You What, who made a miscue at the start and spotted the field several lengths, regained his composure, made a first-over bid on the backside and even stuck his nose in front late, but his attempt for a miraculous winning comeback fell short by a nostril for driver Dave Ingraham.

 

"The horse felt good so I let him roll a little early," said Sells. "He is a grinder but, since I used him a little, I decided to stay in a bit longer. I was still a couple of lengths away in the lane but he responded when I asked and he just did get there.”

 

Dutchess Seelster was sent to the front by Wally Hennessey and despite a stinging opening panel of :26.4 the 6-year-old mare had something left at the end of the mile to score in 1:54.2, tying the track record for mares first set by Peace Corps in 1990 and equaled by Three Little Words in 2006. (Pompano Park)