Four state-restricted trot races were featured Monday night at Pompano Park - two for two-year-olds and two for three-year-olds, each separated by sex.
The freshmen were competing in their respective $20,000-plus divisions of the Florida Sales Stakes, while the sophomores were contesting the $12,500 championship finals of their Sunshine Stakes series.
There was no surprise in the two-year-old filly trot as heavily favoured Tyrees Treasure (Bruce Ranger) returned $2.40 to her many pari-mutuel backers after a front-stepping 2:02.3 triumph. The winner, owned by Hollie Proesel and trainer Jerry Beach topped Piper Pfeiffer (Fern Paquet, Jr.) and Sweet Loreley (Mickey McNichol).
When the two-year-old colts trotted past the finish line, however, there was near disbelief as Goucher (Walter Ross, Jr.) shocked a full field by securing his maiden victory and returning $113.40 for the win. Trained by Joseph Kroll and owned by his wife Shawna, Goucher trotted a final panel in :29.1 to sweep past Sky Crest (Ranger) and Tim T (Tom Sells) in 2:02.1.
In the sophomore series finals, Matcan (Ranger) eked out a nose triumph in 1:59.3 to win the colts and geldings split over High Speed (Dave Ingraham) and Feel Like A Gator (Kevin Wallis). It was the 13th win in 14 lifetime starts for Fred Monteleone's prize possession who has now earned over $92,000 racing exclusively at Pompano.
The distaff division was also won by a Ranger Stable pupil as the talented Selena won by a wide margin in 1:58.1 over Pinch Of Thyme (Wallis) and Dessert Princess (Ingraham). It was the fourth win in a row for the DCLD Stables' nice filly and seventh trip to the winner's circle in ten seasonal starts.
(Pompano Park)