by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Just A Bee survived an early speed duel with Godiva Seelster and went on to score a narrow win over her newest arch-rival on Monday night (April 6) at Pompano Park.

Skip Smith photo

Just A Bee regained her status as the top mare at Pompano Park on Monday night.

Handled by trainer Mike Micallef, the 7-year-old daughter of Mr Feelgood, was involved in a speed duel through a good portion of an opening panel of :26.4 while seeking command from her outside five post in her quintet.

Once on top, Just A Bee carded fractions of :55.3 and 1:23.3 to set up her final panel of :27.2 to stop the clock in 1:51, holding Godiva Seelster and Wally Hennessey at bay by a half-length. Mach Me Not, with Bruce Ranger in the bike, last around the final turn, was third while Senorita Santanna finished fourth over De Vins Girl in a barber pole finish reading top down on the program page 5-4-3-2-1.

In a post race interview, driver Mike Micallef said, “Wally’s (Hennessey) mare gave my mare all she could handle both early and late in the mile. The difference between our mares can probably be measured in inches, not lengths. The way both of them are right now, you can flip a coin on who will win…it’s that close.

“I am very proud of Just A Bee because she has given us everything she’s got since we claimed her (for $12,000) last fall. She’s just amazing.

“But Godiva Seelster is incredibly talented as well. I don’t think she’s missed a paycheck during her last three seasons…just amazing!”

Indeed, Godiva Seelster just recorded her 50th straight start of getting checks, dating back to 2013.

But, this night, Just A Bee reigned supreme.

Owned by Anita Micallef, along with John Mc Goff and Greg Heath, Just A Bee picked up her eighth win in 11 starts this year, good for bounty of $55,875. She also achieved another milestone by going over the $200,000 mark in career earnings, now at $205,541 to be exact. As the 1-2 toteboard favorite, Just A Bee paid $3.00 to her multitude of backers.

Regarding Pompano Park’s Super Hi-5, there were 180 winning 20 cent ticket holders with the 6-3-10-2-4 combination each receiving $61.96, pushing the carryover for Wednesday night’s racing program to $116,569.75. Post time for the mid-week card is 7:30 p.m.