by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Godiva Seelster, once again handled by Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey for trainer Dan Hennessey, eked out a narrow decision over the late charging Classic Carpet (Kevin Wallis) to win the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace for mares on Tuesday night (Nov. 24) at Pompano Park.

Skip Smith photo

Godiva Seelster (Wally Hennessey) held on gamely to score a narrow win in Pompano Park’s Open Handicap Pace for mares over Classic Carpet (Kevin Wallis) in 1:53.4.

The winning margin was a scant nose when the timer stopped at 1:53.4 with Mach It A Par (Dan Clements) third, 2-1/4 lengths away, while Cam Funny was fourth. Stucklikeglue, making her Pompano Park debut, picked up the nickel in the field of nine.

At the outset, Cam Funny, Classic Carpet and Godiva Seelster were all on the engine early with the latter taking command after an opening quarter-mile tussle in :27.3.

Positions remained virtually unchanged through a :57 half with an outer flow developing with Mach Me Not, Mach It A Par and Stucklikeglue all in the outer tier but, as yet, not putting any pressure on the leader and she reached the third station in 1:26 with Classic Carpet still in the pocket, Mach Me Not third on the outside and Cam Funny still skimming the pylons.

In the lane, Godiva Seelster was valiantly trying to protect her diminishing lead with Classic Carpet now gaining with every stride. At the wire, it took a photo to decide the issue with Godiva Seelster earning the narrow nod.

After the race, Wally Hennessey said, “She was very game tonight; maybe not quite 100 percent, but still very game, very determined. I kept her out last week when she didn’t quite seem herself, so she might have been a little bit short tonight. Tonight she showed her gameness and determination. She is just amazing.”

Not only did Godiva Seelster win for the 14th time this season, the daughter of Camluck won for the 25th time during her splendid career, now showing $219,717 in bounty for owners Paul and Patricia O’Neil. She also extended her streak of earning purse checks to 72, encompassing her entire seasons as a 3-, 4- and now 5-year-old. Off at 3-5 on the tote, Godiva Seelster paid $3.40 to win.

The victory, incidentally, was one of four on the evening for Hennessey, who also scored with Jets Are On ($3.80), Landonfitz ($4.20) and Goldstar Classic ($4.00).

Hennessey now has 59 victories in the first 20 days of Pompano Park’s meet.

Pompano adds Saturdays to its racing schedule beginning this coming Saturday with Super Night following on Sunday night. Post time is 7:30 p.m.