American Hustle, with Scott Zeron in his sulky for owner-trainer Brian Lawrence, skimmed the pylons in the final yards to post a nose decision over pace-setting Brigadierbronski A, handled by Mike Simons, in Pompano Park’s $10,000 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night (March 10).
The five-year-old son of American Ideal left alertly from the five post, yielded to the early-rushing Brigadierbronski A (Post 6) around the opening bend and stalked the leader through panels of :27.1, :56.1 and 1:24.2 before finding a narrow seam when straightened away to close in :27.1 to nail the win on the wire in 1:51.4.
Four Socks, driven by Wally Hennessey, finished third in an ‘even-steven’ effort, two and a half lengths away, while McMach finished fourth, just another nose back. Harry Terror picked up the final award in the classy sextet after his mild bid approaching the final bend.
For American Hustle, it was his fourth success from seven starts this young year, good for $22,000, which sent his career bankroll to $135,563.
Off at 3-5 on the tote board, American Hustle paid $3.40 to his many faithful.
Also on the card, Pompano track record holder Panocchio returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in 2019 when he scored in 1:51.3 for Wally Hennessey; and the Florida Amateur Driving Club was in action in four events, which saw drivers Carl Garofalo, Sam Stathis, Mario Dessureault and Nick Coblents all record wins.
Racing will continue on Monday with first post time set for 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)