by Michael Carter, for Post Time with Mike and Mike

Elkton, MD — Superstar pacer Freaky Feet Pete continues his training in preparation for the 2017 racing season. Part owner and trainer Marty Rheinheimer, who was a guest on the Post Time with Mike and Mike show on Thursday, said Freaky Feet Pete is “going to start jogging a little every other day in the water treadmill.”

The plan is to work on strength and stamina for now, then re-evaluate the 5-year-old’s status with the vet in 30 days.

When asked what Freaky Feet Pete’s game plan will be upon his return, Rheinheimer listed the Ben Franklin, races at Red Mile, and the Breeders Crown at Hoosier Park as part of the itinerary. No return date has been set.

The interview started off with a cinematic like production piece promoting Freaky Feet Pete’s return to the races.

Horseman Dan O’Mara also joined the program. O’Mara reflected on the life of his father Frank O’Mara, who passed away on Jan. 4 at the age of 84.

“He would help anybody,” said O’Mara. “If you had a problem with your horse, he usually could fix it. He could do a lot of things these vets couldn’t do.”

The interview ended with the stretch call of the 1982 Yonkers Trot, which was won by the Frank O’Mara trained and driven Mystic Park.

The Racing Marketing Manager at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono, Jennifer Starr, sat down with Mike Bozich for an in-depth interview detailing her career in the industry. The two also discussed ways to encourage new fans to follow the sport, plus incentives to retain the current fan base.

“It’s very challenging, as you said, to enlist new fans to the sport,” Starr explained. “We try to market to bring your friends, grab a group of guys or girls, hang out at the rail, be outside on a summer night, and watch the races.”

Starr, who is originally from Taylor, Pa., co-hosted a popular Morning Drive radio show for eight years called ‘Jen and AJ’ before beginning her career at Pocono in 2011.

Mike and Mike concluded the program with its weekly Pompano Park segment with Director of Racetrack Operations/Track Announcer Gabe Prewitt. Pompano has raised their Pick-4 guarantee on Sunday night to $20,000.

“The total pool last Sunday was north of $42,500,” Prewitt said. “If we continue to see that type of success, we will raise that guarantee once more.”

The Sunday Pick-4 encompasses races six-nine and has a takeout of 12 percent.

The complete show can be heard by logging on to www.betamerica.com/barn, or at www.posttimewithmikeandmike.com.