Pompano Park opens on Sunday night (Oct. 24) for its 100-night championship season and the festivities fittingly feature track-record holder Panocchio in action in a classy million-dollar sextet of talent.
The now 11-year-old gelded son of No Pan Intended seeks lifetime win No. 75 and has drawn post 4 with Dave Ingraham in the sulky for trainer Jim Mattison, who co-owns with wife Vicki and Emile Johnson, Jr. A winner of $665,108, Panocchio set the 1:48.3 track record six seasons ago and has been described by the Mattisons as "a true blessing in our lives."
Panocchio is 9-2 in the morning line as the competition in this $11,000 event includes some stiff opponents including Double Metal, a three-year-old Betting Line colt trained by Peter Blood, who co-owns with Rick Berks. Double Metal comes to town from the tough Pennsylvania circuit, where he has compiled a consistent 5-4-4 scorecard in 19 starts, including a 1:50.4 win in Philly. Wally Hennessey will be in his sulky and is 6-5 in the morning line, despite having drawn post 6.
Freak On A Leash, Kotare Yael, Captain Malicious and Hard Rock Hulk complete the talented field.
Also on the opening night card, the Sunshine Stakes begin for two- and three-year-olds with several 2020 champions returning to defend their crowns. The pari-mutuel program features 11 events with four additional Sunshine Stakes competing in early non-betting events.
The sophomore division for pacing geldings features a rematch between last season's champ Theflyingrock and Mister David C, one-two in last year's Super Night Final.
Theflyingrock, owned by Richard Marsh will have trainer Mike Simons in his sulky and comes off a ver sharp lifetime best performance of 1:51.4 win, sawing off fractions of :26.4, :54.4 and 1:23 in the process.
Pompano Park will offer a generous buffet of wagering options for the season, including early and late doubles, Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-5, Pick-6 and Super Hi-5 wagering on each night's finale. Standard exacta, trifecta and superfects are also on the menu.
Post time is set for 7:20 p.m. (EDT).
(Pompano Park)