by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — OKHeavenly, handled by Kevin Wallis, snuck through along the pylons late in hermile to take top honors in the $11,000 Open Pace for Mares on Wednesday (Jan.18) night at Pompano Park.

Steve Smith photo

OK Heavenly, driven by Kevin Wallis, captured Pompano Park’s Open Pace for mares on Wednesday night, stopping the timer in 1:52.1.

The 5 year-old daughter ofSportswriter completed her journey in 1:52.1, pinning a photo finish defeatmeasuring a neck on the pacesetting Miss Mady, driven by Ricky Macomber, Jr.

Metro Glide, with Tom Jacksonin the bike, rallied from last early on to finish third, 1-1/4 lengths awaywhile Jets Are On finished fourth after a mild bid on the backside and aroundthe final turn. Southwind Trini picked up the minor award in the sextet.

At the outset, Miss Mady,leaving from post four, went searching for the lead and opened up enoughdaylight around the opening turn to allow OK Heavenly, starting from post four,to wend her way into the garden spot ahead of Southwind Trini.

Positions remained constantthrough panels of :27.2 and :56.2 with only Jets Are On accelerating her jetson the backside to reach third, still two lengths away as Miss Mady reached thethird station in a picked up 1:24.1.

Turning for home, the leaderdrifted out ever so slightly allowing OK Heavenly to take the shortest route homeand on to victory.

After the race, driver KevinWallis said, well, what can I say, she lived up to her name tonight. She had a‘heavenly’ journey and it all worked out well when there was room enough to getthrough. She’s been very good every time I have driven her and she was sharpagain tonight.

Trained by Angela Coleman ofthe Rob Rittof Stable, OK Heavenly is now 2-for-3 this season—her only defeatbeing at the hooves of the very tough Wild Wanda—good for earnings of $13,750after the first 2-1/2 weeks of the New Year. Lifetime, OK Heavenly now boastsearnings of $163,077.

Owned by Mark Winship alongwith the Dandy Farms, OK Heavenly was the 4-5 tote-board favorite and returned$3.80 to her many faithful.

Racing continues on Saturdaynight with a very competitive eight race program featuring three divisions ofthe Florida Amateur Driving Club, in competition to determine the participantsin a “triple crown” for amateurs at The Meadowlands, Goshen, New York andDelaware, Ohio during Little Brown Jug week.

Post time for Saturday’sextravaganza is 7:20 p.m.