Scott Rocks, handled by George Napolitano Jr., made his 2016 debut a winning one in Pompano Park's $16,500 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night (Feb. 21).
The six-year-old altered son of Rocknroll Hanover used a backside blitz from third to take command turning for home and then pushed on to a victory measuring one and three-quarter lengths over the favourite, Panocchio, in 1:51.1. Heart Felt, longest proposition in the field of seven at better than 50-1, rallied for third, two lengths away. Four Socks finished fourth while Bluehourpower was fifth in the field scratched down to seven.
Panocchio was away alertly with Bluehourpower on the attack early and these two were a lip apart past an opening panel in :26.4. Once on top, Bluehourpower and Ricky Macomber Jr. clocked fractions of :55.1 and 1:23.2 with Scott Rocks on his mission to engage the leader turning for home with a :27.3 finale more than enough to score the win.
In a post-race interview, Napolitano Jr. said, "Chris (trainer Oakes) told me he qualified very well and that he thought he'd be competitive. We got away in very good order tonight and, on the backside, I thought that I'd give his a chance and see what he's got. He was very strong on the backside and seemed to take the turn very well. Turning for home, I thought to myself, 'We got something here.'
"I was pleasantly surprised by his performance!"
Trained by Chris Oakes for Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey, Scott Rocks now sports a 22-15-13 scorecard in 73 lifetime starts, good for $346,717 to go along with his 1:48.4 mark.
As second choice at 9-5, Scott Rocks paid $5.80 to win.
(With files from Pompano Park)