by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Winning anytime is a noteworthy feat but trotter Andover America did it almost 55 percent of the time in 2010.

On the final race card of the calendar year at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, life was made easier for the Andover Hall-Armbro Array gelding in the $12,500 top trot when his expected main rival, Baseball Express, made an early break in stride.

Driver Bruce Ranger had his charge in total command quickly to overcome the assigned outside post eight start and the wrapped up win in 1:57 was the 18th in 33 starts on the year for Andover America. Ginger Tree Jimmy, in rein to Chuck Connor, Jr., split rivals late for the runner-up share and Senator Hall with Joe Pavia, Jr. in tow brushed in for third.

Andover America competed at Pompano and Tioga Downs in 2010 and racked up a bankroll of $153,795. The trainer is Stewart Nemiro of the Bruce Ranger Stable for Gerry Legault’s McTrade Enterprises of Davie, Fla.

Fast mile by ‘Moonshine’

The top trotting mile on the Dec. 29 card was not in the top class. In a conditioned test for a $5,500 purse, PC Moonshine earned a life’s mark of 1:55.3 from a front-stepping effort with Anthony Napolitano in the bike for owner-trainer Gaston Claude of Pompano Beach, Fla.

The 5-year-old Malabar Maple-Jm Gerula gelding, bred by Ontario’s Peter Clements, recorded his 20th career win and increased his lifetime bankroll to more than $123,000.

The South Florida track’s last Pick-4 of the year turned into a ‘ladies night’ of sorts. In the opening leg, owner-trainer Diane Hellen posed for a victory photo after her trotter Budlightning pulled off a 27-1 shocker following a ground saving steer until late in the stretch executed by Tom Sells. In the very next race, owner-trainer Bette Calice earned a trip to the winner’s circle as Chuck Connor, Jr. kept pacing mare LA Dreamin Delight covered up until mid-stretch to take down a 13-1 upset. That pair of longshots resulted in a Pick-4 payout of more than $4,200.

Big start Saturday for 2011

New Year’s Day kicks off the 2011 campaign for South Florida harness racing with a 10-race agenda turning to the gate at 7:05 p.m. (EST). Featured events include round two action in The Gator Series and The Orange Blossom Series for state-bred pacing colts and fillies. A full field of nine starters with several newcomers to the South Florida scene has been attracted for Saturday night’s top class weekly pace for a purse of $12,500.

Except for a dark week from April 17-24, The Winter Capital of Harness Racing will stage live cards each Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening through the end of May. In June, Tuesday programs will be dropped from that schedule.