Seeing Eye Single, making his first start after a two month vacation, blasted home with a :27.1 final quarter to take top honours in Pompano Park's $14,200 Open Handicap Pace for David Miller on Sunday night in 1:50.1.
The now seven-year-old gelded son of Dragon Again, a relaxed fourth in the early stages as the even-money favourite Actor Hanover (Kevin Wallis) zipped through panels of :26.3, :54.3 and 1:22.1, wended his way out around the final bend and exploded with pace in the lane to score the half-length triumph. Alluneedisfaith N (Braxten Boyd) was third followed by Maxdaddy Blue Chip and When You Dance in this classy quintet.
David Miller was actually surprised at Seeing Eye Single's performance lamenting, during a post-race interview, "He surprised the heck out of me! You know, he trained back nicely and he qualified super after his couple of months of freshening up but, given who he was in with tonight, I didn't think he could win or go that much of a mile.
"I hardly chirped to him around that final turn and he did this all on his own. He was really flying late, as you saw."
Trained by daughter Devan for Weaver Bruscemi and Burke Racing, the classy pacer sent his lifetime earnings to $533,332 with this 26th career win.
Off as second choice at 9-5, Seeing Eye Single paid $5.60 to win.
The $12,600 Open II Pace went to Prairie Panther, handled by Wally Hennessey for trainer Mike Deters, who co-owns with Laurie Poulin.
The eight-year-old altered son of Royel Millennium, off the wicked early pace as "musical chairs" was in progress through hot fractions of :26.3 and :54.3, went on the prowl with 7/16ths to go and wore down his foes in the final strides to hit the wire in 1:50.3. Agedchedar Hanover was second with Real Peace next. Peter Dalt was fourth while Scootnroll, last half way through, finished fifth for the nickel.
When the wings folded, Agedchedar Hanover left with alacrity with Real Peace protecting the rail and My House surging in searching for the lead. At the opening station, My House had a short lead but was rank and racing wide allowing Agedchedar Hanover to regain the top spot...but not for long. Three-eighths in, Real Peace surged to the top and fronted the field through three-quarters in 1:22.2. Turning for home, Real Peace was fighting with Prairie Panther gnawing away but racing in the three or four-path as Agedchedar Hanover found that seam as these three battled to the line. Prairie Panther's win measured a half-length over Agedchedar Hanover, with Real Peace another neck back.
The win was number 48 in Prairie Panther's storied career, vaulting his lifetime bankroll to $469,300.
Off as fourth choice at 5-1, Prairie Panther paid $12.80 to his faithful.
The $11,000 Open III Pace went to Warrawee Veloce for David Miller. Owned and trained by Ivar Hyngstrom, the five-year-old gelded son of Somebeachsomewhere got picture perfect handling in the garden spot to roll by a stubborn Hot Art (Rick Plano) to win in 1:50.4. Art Scene (Wally Hennessey), closing fastest of all, finished third while Bay Meadows and Panocchio followed in the field of six.
The win was number nine for Warrawee Veloce and the time was a new lifetime mark.
At 6-5 on the toteboard, the winner paid $4.60.
Also of note, driver Andy Santeramo, making his first start after shoulder surgery several months ago, reached the winner's circle with Dustin Ingraham's Movie Star, scoring as the longest price on the board -- 27-1 -- keying a $1,249.30 Pick-5 payoff for 50 cents involving three other favourites and a second choice in the betting.
Racing continues on Monday with a $15,000 guaranteed pool on the Pick-4 featuring an industry low 12 per cent takeout and a carryover in the track's Super Hi-5 finale. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)