Pompano Beach, FL…April 24, 2018…Second Sister, catch-driven by John MacDonald, sizzled over the Pompano Park oval on Monday night (April 23), stopping the harness racing timer in 1:54.2 in the Open II Handicap Trot.
The six year-old daughter of Deweycheatumnhowe, leaving from the outside post in the bulky nine horse field with a trailer, forged her way to the front a stride or two before the :28 opening panel and then tacked on subsequent fractions of :57.2 and 1:25.4 before her :28.3 finale soundly put the finishing touches on her victory.
Diamond Dagger, handled by Dave Ingraham, was second, almost six lengths away while Modern Mercury, with Wally Hennessey in her sulky, was another neck back in third.
Vicki All and Celebrity Artemis also earned minor awards in the classy field.
Driver MacDonald, catch-driving the mare after regular driver Jim Meittinis chose to drive stable mate Prairie Diamonds, had high praise for Second Sister remarking, "Well, this is a very fast mare and a pleasure to drive. I thought I might have a tougher time trying to make the lead but we got there easier than I thought. Once we got to the front, we didn't really have much pressure and she did this all on her own. She was very impressive and her manners were impeccable."
With regard to Johnny Mac's last statement, trainer Mike Deters said, "She (Second Sister) was bred a short time ago to Cantab Hall and, since then, she's been very happy and very calm. This mile was tremendous and, overcoming this type of competition and the outside post, was very impressive. I am very proud of her."
Deters trains the mare for owner Jerold Hawks.
Second Sister, who won her last start in 1:55.3 over a track labeled "good," extended her streak to two with the win and now sports a 4-1-3 scorecard in 12 starts, good for earnings of $35,750 this semester and $399,049 lifetime.
Off as the second choice at 2 to 1, Second Sister paid $6.60 to her many faithful.
Racing continues on Tuesday night with Boli and Prairie Fortune locking horns in the featured Open Trot.
Thundercrest, Celebrity Eventsy, Overnight Shipper, Entranced,Jack Rules and War Cry Hall complete the talented $2 million field.
IN the "better for the bettor" department, there is a $4,281 carryover in the tracks Pick-6, which begins in race three.
Post time is 7:20 p.m.
by John Berry for Pompano Park