Even after three lead changes into a :26.3 opening quarter, I Can Only Imagine ($3.40) and driver Bruce Ranger were able to hold on to the lead the rest of the one mile race in capturing the $18,000 Open Handicap Pace Saturday at the Isle Pompano Park
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The sixth race feature saw Cape Karuna and driver Andy Santeramo scoot to the early lead from Post 7. Then by the opening quarter mile Sugars Pride and driver Kevin Wallis took command, but that too was shorted lived as Ranger had I Can Only Imagine on the bit and they then took command of the lead for good.
Past the half mile marker in :55 and the three-quarters in 1:23.2 with Armbro Dynamic (Wally Hennessey) pressing first-over, Ranger was able to keep I Can Only Imagine in control down the stretch to win by a half length in 1:51.4. Sugars Pride was second with Dartagnan (Fern Paquet, Jr.) third.
It was the second straight win and sixth victory in eleven starts this year for I Can Only Imagine. Trained by Tom Harmer, I Can Only Imagine is a seven-year-old stallion by Cole Muffler and is owned by Michael Polansky of Loudonville, New York.
Both Bruce Ranger and Dan Clements had the hot hands Saturday, each winning four races on the program.
(Pompano)