On Sunday (March 4, Dees Rocketman and Panocchio each won photo-finish decisions during the Fred Monteleone Memorial Series, which continued at Pompano Park.
After the five-eighths mile sprint in the opening leg of the series, the distance stretched to the normal mile distance for Sunday’s round, which saw both winners hit the wire in 1:52.2 during their respective $12,000 events.
Dees Rocketman ($8.80), driven by Mickey McNichol, scored his fifth win in seven 2018 starts in the opener, as he held off the furious late surge of Drachan Hanover, handled by Wally Hennessey, by a head. Rockys Z Tam, with Ricky Macomber Jr. in his sully, finished third and Lyons Johnny finished fourth. A Cool Card finished fifth.
Dees Rocketman now has banked $24,485 with his quintet of wins this young season. Lifetime, the six-year-old ridgling son of Rock N Roll Heaven has bounty of $143,747 to go along with his Pompano Park mark of 1:50.4 for breeder-owner Joseph Martinelli Sr.
Panocchio ($3.60), the track record holder at Pompano Park, was driven by Wally Hennessey and held off a very determined Doo Wop Hanover, handled by Tony Kerwood, by a neck. Uncmprmising Z Tam, with Ricky Macomber Jr. in his bike, finished third after having cut the fractions in :27.3, 56.1 and 1:24. Hollywood Sign finished fourth after appearing to lack racing room turning for home. Sing For Me George earned the minor award in the field of five.
Panocchio now has 59 career wins (37 at Pompano Park) from 141 starts with earnings now over the $500,000 plateau. Trainer Mattison co-owns with Emile Johnson Jr.
The Fred Monteleone Memorial will conclude next week with a purse of $30,000 awaiting in the final leg which will be contested at the distance of one and one quarter miles.
Pompano racing will continue Monday night with first post set for 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)