by Steve Wolf, senior director of racing operations, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Undefeated 2-year-old pacing champion Alice Springs makes her 2008 debut Friday (July 18) at Pompano Park, putting her 11-race winning streak on the line in an opening round division of the Florida Sunshine State Stakes.

Starting from post four for driver Wally Hennessey, Alice Springs is the overwhelming 3-5 betting favorite. The bay filly by N Aboriginal recently won a qualifying race at Pompano in 1:55.2 by 15-1/2 lengths, going faster then she ever raced at age 2.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

Alice Springs won each of her 11 starts as a freshman in 2007.

“She (Alice Springs) came back from her layoff last season in fantastic shape,” said assistant trainer Jim Kennedy. “She grew quite a bit and filled out good and she won her two qualifying races “in-hand.” We just hope to keep her together for the whole season. She will race here at Pompano through the Florida Sire Stakes season and then maybe head north for some stakes races in November.”

A winner of $100,798 last year, plus a $100,000 bonus for sweeping all of the Florida Sire Stakes finals, Alice Springs is trained by Tom Harmer and is owned by the Ciara Stables and Michael Polansky.

Alice Springs is just two wins away from tying the track record for most consecutive wins at Pompano. The trotter You’re Next holds that record of 13 consecutive wins, setting the mark in 2006-07.