I Can Only Imagine stalked and eventually knocked off race favourite Gotta Go Moe to take home top prize in the $16,000 Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park on Saturday evening
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Bruce Ranger hustled the pacer to immediate command from Post 5 and the duo took the field to the opening panel in a snappy :26.4. Shortly thereafter, Gotta Go Moe rushed up on the rim and cleared without much of a tussle.
He took over the lead past the mid-way point in :56.1 and proceeded to hustle to the three-quarter pole in a demanding clocking of 1:23.3. I Can Only Imagine launched a late attack on Gotta Go Moe, who gave way in the closing strides.
I Can Only Imagine used a :27.2 closing quarter to propel himself to the neck decision over Gotta Go Moe, who settled for the runner-up award. Sugars Pride rounded out the top three in the six-horse contest.
Tom Harmer conditions the seven-year-old son of Cole Muffler, who is owned by Michael Polansky of Loudonville, New York. It was the 22nd lifetime tally for the career winner of $313,088.
To view Saturday’s results, click here.