Keystone Apache, unable to pierce the winner's circle in Pompano Park's top class for trotters against the likes of Toys For You, Flagman and Max, finally got the top prize on Monday night (March 28) -- maybe not the way he wanted but, nonetheless, according to driver John MacDonald and trainer Jack Rice, "a win is a win!"
The consistent seven-year-old gelded son of Explosive Matter was awarded the top spot in the $14,200 Open Handicap Trot after Flagman, handled by Rick Plano, who hit the line first in 1:53.3, was disqualified and placed fifth for interference while taking command from arch-rival Max, with David Miller in his bike, a stride or two past the opening panel.
Rallying fastest of all late in the mile, Keystone Apache, gnarled his way into second before the judges reviewed the evidence to move him up that all important notch to claim the top prize. Also moving up were The Lionking AS (Kevin Wallis), from third to second, Star Track Hanover (Wally Hennessey), from fourth to third, and Max, from fifth to fourth, as Flagman was set back to fifth.
In a somewhat unusual event, the sextet of trotters drew for post positions one through four while Max and Flagman were handicapped with posts eight and nine, respectively.
As the wings folded, both Max and Flagman set sail with Max taking charge early only to grudgingly yield to Flagman at the opening marker in a steamy :27.1. Just then, as Flagman crossed over, Max made a miscue and dropped back to an impossible spot as The Lionking AS moved into the garden spot with Star Track Hanover third and Keystone Apache next.
Flagman proceeded through fractions of :56.4 and 1:24.4 and was never in danger through a :28.4 finale to report home a seemingly handy winner by 1-3/4 lengths.
But, immediately, the inquiry sign was lit and, after extensive review, the evidence resulted in the change.
Trained by Jack Rice for Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing, Keystone Apache sent his 2022 scorecard to 2-4-4 in 12 starts, good for $34,082. He's banked $299,361 lifetime.
"A win is a win," said trainer Rice, adding, "Well, there will be Wawa or Waffle House tomorrow. We'll go to a nice place. The only question is which one of us -- Maria or me -- will get to eat. I guess we'll decide by a coin flip!"
Rice had a rare feat on Monday with a consecutive training hat trick as Dont Sass Me ($7.60) took the fourth race, Keystone Apache ($21.80) won the fifth and Drunkonaplace ($9.80) won the sixth race, too, for the benefit of Vogel & Wags Nags and Team Rice Racing.
The $12,600 Open II Trot went to the 14-1 outsider Crossfit Mouse, driven by Corey Braden.
Trained by Stacey McLenaghan, the five-year-old gelded son of Muscle Mass closed fastest of all to win in 1:55.4. Born To Thrive (Rick Plano) was a neck back in second while the 14-year-old warhorse Cantab Lindy (John MacDonald) finished third. Keegan Ho and Cash Hit picked up the final two awards in the octet.
Crossfit Mouse earned his second success of the year in 10 starts boosting his earnings for 2022 to $20,480 and lifetime bankroll to $215,108. He rewarded his faithful with a $30 mutuel.
In the "better for the bettor" department, Monday's 50-cent Pick-5 returned $16,256.75.
Also on Monday, Wally Hennessey had a grand slam, sweeping the early daily double with Dakota Roadster ($3.60) and Night Explorer ($10.40) and adding the aforementioned Dont Sass Me and Drunkonaplane.
Racing continues on Tuesday with a Pick-6 carryover of $4,331, a $15,000 guaranteed pool on the Pick-4 with an industry low 12 per cent takeout and a Super Hi-5 carryover that has swelled to $106,778. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)