by Frank Salive, publicity director, The Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — It was a night to remember for 3-year-old trotters and driver Trevor Ritchie on the Friday evening, April 2, card at the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

Ritchie was in the bike to pilot 3-year-old Celebrity Blue Chip to an impressive 1:58.2 victory. It was the season’s debut for the Credit Winner-Precious Lindy colt, a $170,000 purchase from the Lexington Selected Sale.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

Celebrity Blue Chip won his 3-year-old debut at Pompano Park in 1:58.2.

All Power, in rein to Kevin Wallis, left hard from the outside post nine but could not hold off the third quarter onslaught from Celebrity Blue Chip, who did not register a top three finish in nine starts as a 2-year-old.

At the end, Celebrity Blue Chip was strong and impressive through the wire with another promising 3-year-old, Borga Crash, closing next best for the runner-up share in rein to Frode Fladen. All Power persisted for third in the maiden trot event.

Staffan Lind trains Celebrity Blue Chip for Celebrity Farms, Herbert Burns and Stephen Demeter.

Just as impressive as Celebrity Blue Chip was 3-year-old filly trotter Secret Magic with a 1:57.2 tally in her season’s debut. She sat well off the lead and was perfectly timed at the finish by Bruce Ranger to defeat Money Machine with Walter Ross, Jr. in the bike and Super Railee partnered by Dan Clements.

Secret Magic, by Cantab Hall-Chorine Hanover, is a sister to millionaire filly Possess The Magic. Trained by Ron Gurfein, Secret Magic is owned by Brittany Farms and from nine starts last year in Grand Circuit and stakes company she won twice and amassed earnings of over $81,000.

The other 3-year-old trotter to win on Friday night in South Florida was Yankee Glide-Fan Favourite gelding Leonidas De Vie. He toppled maiden competition by backing down the tempo to 1:33.2 at the three-quarters to set up a 2:03.4 win over Manzzuto with Roman Lopez in the bike and Pretty Girl in rein to Jay Sears. Leonidas De Vie is owned and trained by Tommy Andersson of Sweden.

In addition to reining in Celebrity Blue Chip, Trevor Ritchie returned to the winner’s circle after the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace with Major Trap in 1:52.4. He executed a perfect second over trip for the 10-1 upset as race favorite I’m Just Special, in rein to Kevin Wallis, laid down fractions of :27, 55.3, and 1:24.1 before tiring early in the stretch. Wild Ride Hanover, in rein to Richard Simard, did the first over road work and persisted for third while Flip For Love and Wally Hennessey split rivals late for the runner-up share.

The 5-year-old Art Major-Hare Trap miss thus earned her third straight win for owner-trainer Ron MacArthur and co-owner Richard Smith. Major Trap is now a career winner of more than $151,000.