by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Just A Bee, off at 7-2 as the third choice on the tote board, returned to the racing wars after a week off and used a big backstretch blitz on her rivals and went on to score a two length win in 1:51 for driver Mike Micallef in Pompano Park’s $12,000 Open Pace for the mares on Monday (Dec. 15).

Skip Smith photo

Just A Bee blitzed her rivals with a 1:51 win in Pompano Park’s $12,000 Open Pace for mares on Monday night.

The 6-year-old daughter of Mr Feelgood, owned by Anita Micallef along with John Mc Goff and Greg Heath, earned her ninth win of the year at the expense of 17-1 longshot De Vins Girl, handled by Rick Plano. McFlirty, driven by Ricky Macomber Jr., the early leader then the victim of the “Meadowlands Shuffle,” shook loose in the lane to finish third while Godiva Seelster finished fourth. The 6-5 favorite, Pertty Music, finished fifth in the quintet after leading during the middle portions of the mile.

As Pompano Park’s Hummer Starting Gate sprung open, McFlirty darted out for the early lead with Just A Bee away alertly as well and settling in the garden spot early. Ed Hensley’s Pertty Music was a step or two back leaving but on the move early, reaching the top past the opening quarter in :26.3.

Pertty Music continued on the front end through a :55 half but, three-eighths out, Just A Bee was on her aforementioned blitz and she claimed the lead in short order prior to the third station clocked in 1:23 with De Vins Girl on the chase. In the lane, Just A Bee left no doubt as she coasted home an easy winner.

In a post race interview, driver Mike Micallef said, “With so much early speed evident in the race, I really didn’t know what was going to happen early but I took a chance and left, hoping to get some cover. After all, all of these mares are capable of going (1):50 and a piece. Pertty Music probably was stung a bit getting to the top so, midway on the backside, I took my shot with my mare (Just A Bee) and she really responded big time tonight. When we reached the top, I was confident that she could go on from there — and she did!”

The victory pushed her earnings for the year to $60,345. She’s now banked $142,666 lifetime. She returned $9.80 to her faithful $2 followers.