Paragon has suddenly become one of the hottest claiming properties at the 2009-2010 meet at Pompano Park.
For the second time in his last three starts, the eight-year-old son of Cambest was claimed after winning. On the February 10 program at Pompano, the career winner of over $305,000 was a well-backed, front-end winner over $12,500 claiming company in 1:54.
Anthony Napolitano had Paragon pushing through from the Post 1 start to stack MLs Boy (driven by Andy Santeramo) three-wide past the quarter in :27, with C B Tower and pilot Dan Clements finally settling into the pocket.
Going to the half in :56.2, Paragon finally got the front-end respect and held the first-over challenge of Actionuke with driver Ricky Macomber, Jr. handily at bay to the final turn in 1:25. With the win secured, Paragon cruised up to the wire in 1:54 with Johnny Midnight and Bruce Ranger rushing up to nail the place prize over C B Tower.
Paragon, the 2006 winner of Woodbine Racetrack's Cam Fella Pacing Series, was originally sent to the current Pompano meet by trainer Richard Moreau to campaign from his South Florida string, which is trained by Stephane Bardier.
The February 10 win was for trainer Paul Holzman and owner Andrew Sassen of Hillsboro Beach. Paragon's next start will be from the care of Peter Pellegrino for new owner David Schneider.
Napolitano reined in three winners last night at Pompano. In addition to teaming Paragon, Napolitano also brought home Ace Le Ru in a life's mark 1:55.4 for trainer Tom Harmer and owners Michael Polansky and Ciara Stable. Napolitano was also hired by trainer-owner Larry Silber for trotting mare Southern Joy, and she responded with a 5-1 upset win over her conditioned rivals in 1:59.2.
The start of the program was postponed by one hour for electrical system repairs on the paddock turn. The night ended with an 18-1 upset win engineered by driver Dan Clements with claiming pacer Townline Speedy.
On Friday evening, the $13,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace will turn to the gate for Race 5. A field of eight starters has been attracted, with Billie Blue Chip, Bling, and Flip For Love starting in the outside post positions. First-race post time is 7:05 p.m.
(With files from Pompano)