by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — It was a joyous moment for trainer Linda Kakaley in the winner’s circle at the Isle Casino-Racing Pompano Park on Friday evening (Oct. 22) as her pet project Little Peanut came through with her first lifetime victory.

Kakaley’s ties run deep for the family of the 2-year-old trotting filly by Wewering-Maia Maia, and she found it difficult to contain her joy after a 2:05 win in the fourth leg of the Florida Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association Sunshine State Stakes. Bob Williams, Jr. was in the bike.

“It seemed not that long ago that I was there when we foaled Maia Maia,” Kakaley explained. “To see the first foal of Maia Maia come out a winner as a 2-year-old is just so incredible. I have a special place in my heart for this filly and her family and it’s just so great to see the filly that Little Peanut has developed into with such good manners. She’s a big, important part of my stable and the family now.”

Ownership of Little Peanut is shared by Bob Van Annan. He was jubilant for a different set of reasons after the flawless outing by his filly.

“I started my association with Linda’s stable about six years ago with a good horse we had together named Leaving Miami,” Van Annan says. “I operate a bar and restaurant called Bobby’s Place just east of the track over on Andrews Avenue. This will be the sixth win picture I have to hang on the wall over there. Everyone coming into my place browses them and can tell I really enjoy being involved with harness racing. Maybe Little Peanut can get me another win photo before her 2-year-old season is through.”

None are hotter than Hallett

With the first week of the 2010-2011 season coming to completion in South Florida trainer Michelle Hallett has compiled a remarkable record that is almost flawless.

Including non-wagering action in the early legs of the FSBOA Sunshine State Stakes, Hallett has seven winners and a second from eight starters to date.

“I’m fortunate that Liz and Rick Schaut sent Keep On Cookin to me,” Hallett said after the 2-year-old daughter of Capital Request-Rockin Lady romped in 1:58.4 in the fourth leg of the Sunshine State Stakes. “I know they were watching from their home in Indiana. They deserve the credit for the foundation this filly has from them and her early starts at Indiana Downs.”

Michelle Hallett’s other Friday night winner in South Florida was with Creating A Dream. She co-owns the 2-year-old Macadream-Diamondsfrmichelle gelding with Michelle Oglesby. Wally Hennessey was in the bike as Creating A Dream went a terrific two move trip from post eight to capture a life’s mark of 1:58.

The Saturday night program convenes at 7:05 p.m. (EDT) at The Winter Capital of Harness Racing with the top mares on the grounds to do battle for a $12,000 purse in the seventh race. The October 23 card will also feature the 3-year-old divisions in the fourth leg of the FSBOA Sunshine State Stakes.