The combination of rain, a sloppy track, a stretch-long duel with his main rival, and a first-over trip for the final five-eighths of the mile were not enough to deny C A Marauder the victory in the $12,000 winners-over feature pace

on Monday at Pompano Park.

“He raced like the real war horse that he is,” said driver Bruce Ranger. “It was a tough battle all the way down the stretch. I wasn’t certain I’d won it but I had a good feeling about it.”

JJs Gazette, the winner of the first two top class pacing events of the meet, was ordered to start outside in the seven-horse field by Race Secretary Greg DeFrank. With Wally Hennessey in the bike this week, JJs Gazette paced through the rain to post quarter times of :28, :57.3 and 1:25.3 before C A Marauder was edging up to within a head going into the final turn.

C A Marauder was then engaged with a full out battle with JJs Gazette all the way down the stretch. It was only in last few inches that he poked a scant nose in front. Ideal Conditions in rein to Doug Brown followed in for third after a second over trip.

Eric Beach trains C A Marauder for Exit 67 Stable of Boynton Beach, FL. The six-year-old Aces N Sevens-Marlart gelding thus posted his 13th win in 33 trips this year and pushed his season’s bankroll to more than $154,000. He’d raced most of the Summer with $75,000 claiming company at Yonkers.

Bruce Ranger was also in the bike to win the co-featured winners over pace for an $8,500 purse with Omaha Survivor. The Ideal Towne-R N Labelle stalwart from the Tom Harmer showed no signs of rust even though he hadn’t raced since September 18 at Balmoral Park in the 1:54.1 score through the rain over Mighty Midas (Gaston Lareau) and Im In Luck (Wally Hennessey). Michael Polansky of New York shares ownership of Omaha Survivor with Ciara Stable of Illinois.

“Gigi’s Journeys” An Instant Hit

The first reviews are in and the reaction is overwhelmingly positive from fans, horsepeople and management alike for the work of the South Florida track’s new TV personality, Gigi Diaz.

Last weekend, her reports included paddock interviews with horsemen Ray Vizzi and David Mogan, and a close-up look at pacer JJs Gazette. As a newcomer to racing, the aspiring 24-year-old reporter is also frequently seen in the winner’s circle and trackside interacting with new, young fans and experienced patrons alike.

In addition to anchoring the track’s ‘Pick-4 Party Patrol’ each Friday and Saturday night, she will soon be launching a series of reports entitled “Gigi’s Journeys” as she experiences her first try at wagering and more of the racetrack and casino entertainment experience. More on the South Florida track’s TV talent can be found at www.gigidiaz.com.

The Wednesday evening program on November 3 features the $12,000 purse winners over trot handicap with Tom Cango, Mccoy, Gale Warning and Andover America ordered to the outside post positions. Post time is 7:05 p.m.

(Pompano Park)