Pompano Beach, FL –Ā April 7, 2021 – Casie’s Believer and Muscles For Life were victorious asĀ Pompano ParkĀ offered twin $11,500 harness racing features on Tuesday night (April 6).
Casie’s Believer, handled byĀ Joe Chindano, Jr., took top honors in the Open Handicap for the pacing mares as she found a seam turning for home and use a :28 final panel in rallying by a stubborn Ask Me Ifi Care (Mike Micallef) in 1:52.4. Tempus Seelster (Dave Ingraham) rallied for third, 1Ā½ lengths away while Roll With Angel paced an evenly rated mile from the rail to finish fourth. Persistent Bettor picked up the final award in the field of seven.
At he outset, Roll With Angel left well from the inside as Casie’s Believer was sent launching from her outside seven post, taking command at the opening marker in :27.2. Shortly thereafter, Ask Me Ifi Care made a quarter move to the top three-eighths in and took the field to the half in :56.1. On the backside, Eva’s Sports Czech made a first up bid and reached second a length away with Casie’s Believer looking for room to roam past the third station in 1:24.3.
Turning for home, Casie’s Believer found that seam and started gnawing away, edging by in the final few strides.
CASIE’S BELIEVER REPLAY
In a post-race interview, driver Joe Chindano said, “She (Casie’s Believer) had been knocking on the door the last few starts from off the pace, so I decided I’d try something different from this outside post because I didn’t want to be seven or eight lengths back early. After we made the top, we got some cover and then we had to be patient–and I’m not really a patient kind of guy–waiting for something to open up. She sure responded and that was a great mile for her being used at both ends.”
For Casie’s Believer, a six year-old daughter ofĀ Betterthancheddar,Ā it was her third win of the year with her scorecard reading a consistent 3-5-1 in 12 starts, good for $34,015 for Chindano, who is owner-trainer.
Off at 2 to 1 as second choice, Casie’s Believer paid $6.00 to win.
In the companion for Open Trotters, Muscles For Life, driven byĀ Wally Hennessey,Ā put some daylight at the start on his main rival Toy’s For You (Rick Plano) and went on to score a win measuring three-parts-of-a-length over that one in 1:54.1, this after posting number of :27.3, :57.1 and 1:26.1. The Lionking AS (Kevin Wallis) was third, 2Ā¾ lengths away while Ev’s Girl was fourth. The nickel went to Burn Notice in this septet.
As the wings folded, The Lionking AS and Muscles For Life were fastest out while Toy’s For You, a son ofĀ Airzoom Lindy, did anything but “zoom” as he took back unhurried and some eight lengths off the leader at the opening quarter.
Positions remained virtually unchanged until Toy’s For You began his charge on the backside, reaching third and less than two lengths awa around the final bend.
Even though Toy’s For Us closed fastest of all–:27.3–the line came soon enough for Muscles For Life to score his third straight win for trainerĀ Steve OldfordĀ and owner Jarold Hawks.
MUSCLES FOR LIFE REPLAY
The victory was number five in eight starts for the eight year-old son ofĀ Muscle MassĀ and sent his 2021 bankroll to $35,570. He’s banked $383,665 lifetime to go along with 37 wins.
Off at a dime to a dollar, Muscles for Life paid $2.20 to win.
Racing continues on a Sunday-Monday-Tuesday schedule through April with closing night scheduled for May 2.
Post time remains at 7:20 p.m.
For full race results,Ā click here.
by John Berry, for Pompano Park