by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — The 5-year-old gelding trotter Andover America has become a living testimonial to the complete horsemanship of Pompano’s top driver Bruce Ranger in 2010.

“He’s overcome so much and for him to win half of his starts in the top class this year is really incredible,” Ranger said in a trackside TV interview after he executed the win from back in the pack with his stable’s trotting star in the $12,000 featured event on Wednesday evening (Dec. 8) at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. “None of it would have been possible without the patience of his owners. Since we got him on his way the rest has been management and maintenance. It’s been a case of waiting on him and it’s very much been worth it.”

Speaking of waiting on Andover America, that’s what Ranger did in the bike in the Wednesday test. A vicious speed duel played out up from as Keystone Thomas (Dan Clements) parked out Baseball Express (Tom Sells) in the opening half fractions of :27.3 and :56.1.

Approaching the three-quarters in 1:25, Ranger had Andover America gearing up for a well rated three wide brush and by early in the stretch the victory was secured. Keystone Thomas, also racing from the Ranger barn and trainer Stewart Nemiro, stoutly persisted for the runner-up share in the 1:55.2 clocking. Pocono Downs shipper Ginger Tree Jimmy, in rein to Kevin Sizer, closed for third.

Andover America is owned by McTrade Enterprises of Davie, Fla. The financial by-product of the trotter’s outstanding boxscore of winning half of his 30 starts this year is a season’s bankroll of $135,295.

“We give him the rest he needs and that’s why he was off almost a month before this start,” Ranger explained. “Ray Schnittker helped me a lot to get this trotter over his mental issues and to where he is now. The best management decision we’ve also made for Andover America is to only race him here at Pompano and at Tioga Downs in 2010, and to keep him away from the Meadowlands and Pocono where he could’ve been beaten up.”

Serious business in a summer setting

With almost $500,000 in total purses going on the line for the 2010 Super Night, horsepeople at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park have been busy with the last of the fine tuning of their charges for the gala event this Saturday evening, Dec. 11.

Brian Sears, one of the continent’s highest profile reinsman, was on the track on Wednesday morning going training miles with Florida Breeders Stake finalists Palm Beach Boy and Black Diamond. The 2-year-old colt and 3-year-old filly race from the care of trainer Kim Sears and Brian’s dad, Jay Sears.

Eight championship finals will be staged to bring to a conclusion the four race Fall Series of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association. Although the overnight temperature in Pompano Beach plunged to a record low of 39 degrees on Dec. 7 according to the National Weather Service, the outlook for Saturday is sensational with a forecast for 79 degrees. To go along with a special glossy cover keepsake program on Saturday evening, there will be a trackside DJ and several interactive events for patrons including a putting contest between races for cash prizes in the winner’s circle.

Through May of 2011, post time is 7:05 p.m. (EST) each Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening at The Winter Capital of Harness Racing. Exceptions to the schedule this month are the addition of a program on Thursday, Dec. 23 and no live racing on Saturday, Dec. 25.