by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Just A Bee extended her winning streak to five in the $12,000 Open Pace for mares on Monday (March 23) at Pompano Park as the 7-year-old daughter of Mr Feelgood wore down a very game and stubborn Godiva Seelster to score a measured neck victory in 1:51.1.

Driven by trainer Mike Micallef for owners Anita Micallef, John McGoff and Greg Heath, Just A Bee won for the seventh time in nine starts this season, pushing her seasonal bounty to $46,750 and $196,416 lifetime. She’s banked $75,200 since she was claimed for $12,000 last September covering 17 starts — 11 of which were wins.

Skip Smith photo

Just A Bee won the $12,000 Open Pace for mares on Monday night.

At the outset, Godiva Seelster, handled by Wally Hennessey, zipped out of the gate to an early lead, yielding to Senorita Santanna, with Aaron Byron handling the lines, with that duo sizzling an opening panel in :26.2. Godiva Seelster was in the garden spot, Mach It A Par with Dan Clements was third and Just A Bee was next.

Three-eighths out, Godiva Seelster left the cozy pocket and sprinted by Senorita Santanna as Just A Bee took up the chase as well. A picked up three-quarters in 1:22.3 left Godiva Seelster with a clear lead with Just A Bee in pursuit and Mach It A Par also getting into the fray. At midstretch, Just A Bee pulled on even terms with Godiva Seelster and edged on by in the final yards.

After the race, driver Mike Micallef said, “What can I say? She (Just a Bee) is just very sharp right now. We have to enjoy the ride while we can because this business isn’t all roses every start. Wally’s mare (Godiva Seelster) was very game tonight. She endured a heck of an opening panel and still was tough as nails at the end. And Dan’s mare (Mach It A Par) was sharp as well. Like I said, we enjoy these times when we can.”

As the overhwelming 1-5 favorite, Just A Bee returned $2.60 to win.

Pompano Park’s Super Hi-5 event attracted strong play on Monday night with the 4-6-10-2-1 20 cent consolation paying $1,636.74. The carryover going into Wednesday’s program now stands at more than $66,000.