Commander K, smartly driven by Joe Pavia Jr., was sent to the lead as the gate’s wings folded and wired the competition for the second straight week in Pompano Park’s $11,500 Open Trot.
Owned by trainer Luca Derrico, the five-year-old gelded son of Ken Warkentin carved out panels of :27.4, :56.4 and 1:25 before digging in late to hold off the surging even-money favourite, Andover America, by three parts of a length in 1:54.4. Ill Tell You What was a fast-closing third while Blushing Hanover and Spring Goal picked up the final two checks.
“He’s got great gate speed,” said Pavia, “and he likes to dig in at the end of a mile...a great quality in any racehorse!”
Derrico claimed Commander K for $22,000 in late September and, in the nine starts he has had him, he’s banked $23,700.
“This horse seems to love being in the thick of the action and, if a horse like this one seems a bit headstrong, I like to give him racetrack so he doesn’t lose interest,” added Pavia.
Commander K now sports a 6-7-6 scorecard in 30 starts this year, good for $86,010. He’s banked $228,950 lifetime.
The Open 2 Trot went to Hallin Cash, urged to victory by trainer Dan Daley. Owned by the Purple Haze Stables, the four-year-old son of Cash Hall found some room late in the mile to squeeze on through between horses to score the narrow victory in 1:56.4.
“This horse doesn’t seem to fond of the whip so I have to kind of urge him on,” said Daley. "He’s got great speed leaving and, when John’s [Campagnuolo] mare Dutchess Seelster drifted out a bit, I was able to urge my horse to get the win. It turned out to be a good trip.”
The win was the fifth of the year for Hallin Cash.
The track has seen sharp increases in its Pick-4 handle since the introduction of the new 10 per cent takeout. Bolstered by a carry-over of $4,733, there was $12,099 additional bet into the pool bringing the pool total to almost $17,000.
“There is no doubt that this industry low rate has begun to get the attention of racing fans both here and across North America,” said John Yinger, Director of Racing. “I expect the trend to continue, especially with the heart of our racing season approaching.”
The $2 Pick-4 combination of 5-5-5-3 paid $1,053.80.
Post positions were drawn for Saturday’s program, including the $11,500 Open Handicap Pace with Dorothy Zarza’s Northern Companion assigned the outside post nine after three straight wins in the class, the fastest in a lifetime-best 1:50.4. Trained by Howard Klohr, Northern Companion will have the driving services of Rob Hoffman, who has driven the four-year-old son of Cambest to all of his 16 victories this year — which is tied for seventh best among aged pacers in North America.
The million dollar field includes the powerful Jim McDonald entry of Freeneasy Hanover and Neptune Blue Chip, Monet C C, B N Bad, Amillionpennies, Woodmere Ultimate, Rader Detector and Special Strides.
(With files from Pompano Park)