by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Serving notice that he may soon be ready to return to the racing wars was the 2011 Little Brown Jug winner Big Bad John in a morning qualifier on Saturday, December 17 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

Since being transferred to the top Pompano barn of trainer Dan Hennessey from Ohio by conditioner Ron Potter, the 3-year-old colt by Western Hanover-Truly A Work Of Art made it look effortless in the 1:52.1 spin. Owner Edward Telle of Winchester Baye Acres based in Ocala, FL has stated he’s in search of increasing the colt’s lifetime earnings to more than $1 million from the current $988,559 total before a planned stallion career in Ohio.

Also on the Saturday morning qualifying session, well known Canadian trainer Rene Allard harnessed up his first Pompano starter as Rub Thing was individually clocked in 1:57 with Richie Simard in the bike. Allard is expected to be campaigning at least a three horse string from his Florida satellite stable in the upcoming months in his first foray to The Winter Capital of Harness Racing.

The 1:52.1 qualifier by Big Bad John has also raised the excitement level in Florida for another reason. With the strong chance that the colt will be appearing on the New Year’s Eve program for the final start of his 3-year-old campaign, he could be in position to challenge the track record of 1:51.2 set by Beach Towel in November of 1990.

Look Out, Here Comes ‘Timmy T’?

When the 2011 drivers’ dash title chase ends at Pompano on New Year’s Eve, it could be a three man battle instead of just two. Tim Tetrick has earned his way into the mix and was trailing Dan Noble by 15 while George Brennan was trailing Noble by 11 wins going into Saturday night’s action.

Tetrick has indicated to senior management at Pompano that it’s a distinct possibility that he may travel to Pompano to compete on the New Year’s Eve card. He said will make a decision in the coming week to confirm his consideration of driving in Florida on New Year’s Eve against Dan Noble for the 2011 drivers’ dash title. Noble’s continent leading total stood at 748 wins going prior to Saturday night’s race cards turning to the gate.

Rick’s Sign Returns To Dominant Form

The Saturday evening, December 17 Open Handicap Pace in South Florida witnessed the commonplace fast fractions that the ideal weather conditions foster and in the end Rick’s Sign was home a winner in 1:50.4. The 6-year-old Life Sign-Lasting Flower gelding re-took the lead past the quarter for driver Fern Paquet Jr. and the put away the first-over move of Pacinello driven by Rick Plano before holding off a final move by Avantage with Mickey McNichol and the pocket-sitting Sfumato in rein to Ed Hensley.

Paul Holzman trains Rick’s Sign who is capping off an outstanding season which now counts 14 wins from 40 starts, and earnings of $184,549 for owner Andrew Sassen of Hillsboro Beach, FL. Rick’s Sign was also the dominant top class pacer at Hazel Park in 2011.