Velvet Eileen gets the best of Hypnotize at Pompano Park

Velvet Eileen ($4.00) just held on at the wire to win the $10,000 Winners-Over Pace for Mares Friday by a head at the isle pompano park in 1:54. She was able to “return the favor” after losing last week’s top pace by a head to Hypnotize.

Leading from start to finish for driver Wally Hennessey, it was just as tough a battle this week as it was last week.

Starting from post seven, alongside Hypnotize, Hennessey was able to urge Velvet Eileen out from the start and despite Hypnotize and driver Dan Clements leaving as well from post eight, Hennessey was able to stuff Clements and Hypnotize into the two-hole spot by the opening quarter mile in :27.4.

They raced Indian-style past the half-mile marker in :57.4 and the three-quarter pole in 1:25.4 before anyone even tried to come first-over. But by then it was too late as the top two contenders were ready to go neck and neck down the stretch.

Hennessey was able to keep after Velvet Eileen and she responded by not letting Hypnotize pass her by, winning the photo finish for her second victory this year. Stonebridge Capri (Bruce Ranger) was third.

Trained by Michile Lorenzo and owned by Rod Lorenzo, Ciro Gentile and the Pomtambo Stables of Boca Raton, Velvet Eileen is a five-year-old mare by Mark Jonathan from the Jate Lobell mare, Velvet Viking. Velvet Eileen now has 21 career victories. (Pompano Park)

« Back