On Sunday, March 27 at Pompano Park, in a field laced with lifetime winners of close to $3 million in purse earnings and six sub-1:50 performers, Southwind Amazon, who was handled by Mike Micallef, emerged victorious, and stopped the timer in 1:50.3.
The six-year-old son of Camluck, trained by Paul Holzman for owner Ameer Najor, pinned a half-length defeat on stablemate Dedis Dragon (driven by Ricky Macomber Jr.) with Alexas Jackpot (John MacDonald) third. Four Socks and Whogoesfirst were next in the field of nine.
Alexas Jackpot and Whogoes left hard. Dedis Dragon was also on the prowl. Southwind Amazon also tilted to the outside on the move up.
With a hot opener of :26.1, Alexas Jackpot had the top spot, but not for long, as Dedis Dragon charged alongside, and then to the lead, only to be met by stablemate Southwind Amazon heading into the second turn. Southwind Amazon secured the lead halfway through the mile in :54.1.
Southwind Amazon continued to glide along the backside, as Steelhead Hanover, who was making his 2016 debut, charged up into second, but was unable to reach the saddle pad of the leader past the third station in 1:22.2.
In the lane, Southwind Amazon put away the challenge of Steelhead Hanover and only had to repel stablemate Dedis Dragon, which he did on the strength of a :28.1 closer.
In a post-race interview, driver Micallef said, “This wasn’t the easiest of trips for him. After all, when you get to the half in :54.1, you never know if you can get home. He proved he’s a great horse before with that 1:49.2 mile a couple of starts ago and he proved it again tonight.
“Paul (trainer Holzman) said he’s sharp and he was right! Again, he’s just a great horse and I was honoured to steer him home tonight.”
For Southwind Amazon, it was his fifth success of the year in 11 starts and 22nd lifetime win sending his career bounty to $248,932--$33,064 of that so far this year.
As the 4-5 post-time favourite, Southwind Amazon paid $3.80 to win.
Racing at Pompano will continue on Monday night. Natural Herbie will be looking to defend his crown in the $15,000 Open Handicap Trot.
Oho Diamond and Wind Of The North are expected to provide the main competition. Auspicious Hanover, Midnite Craze, Striking Ivy and Diamond Dagger will complete the talented field.
First-race post time is 7:30 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)