It was a convincing statement made by four-year-old pacer Northern Companion, that he is the most impressive older pacer in Florida at this time, as he romped in the $8,500 purse Isle Mile Open Handicap Pace highlighting the Saturday evening, June 2 program at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park

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Waldy Jimmy flashed his usual turn of gate speed for driver Dan Clements to post the first half speed of :27.1 and :57.3. Turning into the backstretch for the final time and sitting last in the field of five starters, driver Robert Hoffman rallied Northern Companion for clear sailing and he bolted up on the outside to join Waldy Jimmy for the lead at the final turn in 1:25.4. In the stretch, Northern Companion drew away under wraps with a :27.1 kicker in the 1:53 score. State-bred three-year-old Keemosabe brushed in impressively for second with Bruce Ranger in the bike and Waldy Jimmy held third.

Howard Klohr trains Northern Companion for owner Dorothy Zarza of Lake Worth, Florida. The Cambest-Smoke It Out gelding has amassed eight wins in 17 trips this year for almost $30,000 in season's earnings.

In the $7,500 purse secondary pacing feature, Sports Reporter continued his remarkable recent run of success to score in 1:52.4 with Walter Ross Jr. in the bike. The Artsplace-Dexter Lobell eight-year-old gelding has ascended from the $4,000 claiming ranks two weeks ago, and this time sat third in line as Sugars Pride posted three-quarters in 1:23.4 for driver Tom Sells. On the final turn, Sports Reporter made an uncovered outside challenge and finally came away with the late stretch lead to hold off Spring Again, driven by Andy Santeramo, and What The Sheik, partnered by Bruce Ranger, at the line in 1:52.4.

Sports Reporter was recently honoured in the USHWA-Florida Horse and Groom Of The Month Award for April for the ownership of the Baron Stable of Horsham, Pennsylvania. He races from the care of Shawn and Ingrid Glassmeyer, who have rehabilitated the horse from a wide range of ailments and setbacks. In 2012, Sports Reporter has started 10 times at Pompano and earned a boxscore of 7-2-1 for almost $18,000 in season's earnings.

June 4 marks the final Monday evening performance of the 2011-2012 live harness racing season at Pompano, with Wednesday and Saturday cards at 7:05 p.m. Eastern continuing until July 28.

(Pompano Park)