Zoraze took top honors in Pompano Park's feature trot on Wednesday night (October 25), while Atlantic Crest and Prairie Panther were dominant in their victories in their respective divisions of the FSBOA-sponsored Sunshine State Stakes held prior to the pari-mutuel card.
Zoraze, a five-year-old gelded son of Crazed, won an early battle for supremacy by taking command right at the opening station in :28. He then went on to post fractions of :57.1 and 1:25.3 before a ‘stroll-in-the-park’ home stopped the timer in 1:55.3.
Fern Paquet Jr. was in the sulky for the win which measured three and a half lengths over Born To Thrive (driven by Rick Plano). Kabu, with Jim Maittinis in the bike, was next, while BJ Anthony and My Revenuer also picked up awards in the bulky field of 10.
After the race, driver Paquet related, "This horse does have some gate speed and I thought it best to try and use it in a field as large as this. He's got a mark of (1):54, so he's capable of a big mile.
"Once we got to the half in :57 and a piece and straightened away on the backside, he really grabbed a hold and upped his game and we opened up some good daylight on some pretty good horses.
Edgar (trainer Clarke) has him sharp right now and he showed that sharpness tonight."
Trained by the aforementioned Edgar Clarke for Jamie Marra Racing, Zoraze won for the fifth time this year, which vaulted his seasonal bankroll to $37,069. Career-wise, Zoraze has banked $126,534 to go along with his Tioga Downs mark of 1:54.
As second choice in the wagering, Zoraze returned $11.60 to win.
As mentioned, prior to the betting card, the fifth legs of the Sunshine State Stakes were held for the three year-olds. Atlantic Crest (1:59), Prairie Panther (1:56.2), Maybe Ned (1:56.2) Prairie Cowgirl (1:59.2) and Im Done (2:00.3) recorded victories.
Live racing at Pompano will continue this Sunday with a Super Hi-5 carryover of $7,741 highlighting the pari-mutuel action.
Post time for the card will be at 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)