The water got a whole lot deeper in Pompano Park’s $10,500 Open Handicap on Saturday thanks to the presence of a powerful set of pacers from the stable of trainer Gregg McNair.

OK Commander and Aracache Hanover returned from winter layoffs to join some of Florida’s top older pacers, and they finished first and second in the featured affair.

Aracache Hanover powered to the lead for driver Stuart Sowerby with OK Commander setting up shop in the pocket spot and they held those positions through fractions of :27.2, :55.3 and 1:23.1. Both pacers went into sprint mode over the final quarter, but when the dust settled OK Commander came out on top in 1:50.1. Aracache Hanover was a neck back in second, with last week’s Open victory, Cruizin K C, a well-beaten third.

“They both did themselves proud, especially in view of the fact that both were making their first start of the year," said trainer Gregg McNair. "Aracache paced his last half in :54.3 and just got nipped by the Commander, who probably went his last half in :54.1 or 54.2…and seeing OK Commander come back this well after his severe injury…you know, he did break a knee and was out an entire year after winning in 1:47.4 in 2010…well, that was special tonight.”

Clarence Centre, New York partners William Switala and Jim Martin own both pacers. OK Commander, who went 4-for-21 last season, is now a 12-time winner and a career earner in excess of $500,000.

(With quotes from Pompano Park)

To view results for Saturday's card of harness racing, click the following link: Saturday Results – Pompano Park.