by Steve Wolf, Director of Marketing, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, Florida – February 18, 2004 – After a three-horse battle for the early lead, Samaryllis ($3.20, $2.40, $2.10) took command and scored a one length triumph to win the $20,500 final of the 6th annual Miss Easy Pacing Series for three and four-year-old mares Wednesday at Pompano Park. Driven by Wally Hennessey for owner/trainer Rod Lorenzo of Deerfield Beach, Samaryllis covered the one-mile race in 1:55.4 over Bellas Bliss ($2.80, $2.10) and Sing Flying Monkey ($2.10).

Lap Time Photo

SAMARYLLIS and driver Wally Hennessey win the $20,500 final of the Miss Easy Pacing Series Wednesday at Pompano Park in 1:55.4.

The 5th race feature started off with a Calvary charge for control of the lead with Bellas Bliss (Michael MacDonald) coveting the rail as Samaryllis and Hennessey tried for the front and Sing Flying Monkey with Joe Pavia, Jr. flying three-wide to take command by the opening quarter mile in :27.1. That lead was short lived as Hennessey quarter moved right away to get back on top with Samaryllis.

They raced Indian-style through the half mile in :57 and then Thea’s Character (David Ingraham) tried to come first-over but could not catch up to the leaders by the three-quarters in 1:26.2.

It then became a three-horse battle down the stretch but Hennessey had full control with Samaryllis as Bellas Bliss used the pocket-trip to grab second place by one length with Sing Flying Monkey third.

A four-year-old daughter of Moonlight Sam, it was the second win in just four starts this year for Samaryllis.

“I really had to use my mare early to get control of the race.” Hennessey said. “I was a little worried then that I asked too much of her to have anything left at the end of the mile but she proved me wrong. She closed well and got the job done.”

For Hennessey, it was his second win in the Miss Easy Pacing Series Final. He won the inaugural final with Achy Breaky Todd in 1:55.1.

Bruce Ranger scored four winners on the program and every one paid over $10 to win.

There are two nine-horse divisions for the second round of the $125,000 Mack Lobell Trotting Series on Friday and three seven-horse fields for Saturday’s second round of the $250,000 Isle of Capri Pacing Series. Chicago veteran horseman, Tony Morgan, will be coming to Pompano Park Saturday to drive Tom Harmer’s horses in the Isle of Capri.