With Tropical Storm Eta finally out of the way, Pompano Park opens its 2020-2021 season on Sunday (Nov. 15) with a million-dollar field featured in the Open Handicap Pace.
The stellar field of nine features three sub-1:50 performers, including Ideal Feeling, who took his 1:48.4 mark at The Meadowlands this season; Maxdaddy Blue Chip, holder of a 1:49.1 lifetime mark; and Bass Player, who owns a lifetime best mile of 1:49.3.
But the morning line shows Mach West as the 2-1 favourite, as this four-year-old gelded son of Mach Three comes off a sharp performance at Hoosier Park in his most recent start, finishing a fast closing second with a splendid :26.1 final panel.
Trained by Mike Deters for owner Jerald Hawks, Mach West will have the driving services of Hall of Famer Wally Hennessey and will leave from post five.
Ideal Feeling, a five-year-old son of American Ideal, is a new arrival in the Peter Blood Stable and has a career bankroll of $256,193. He's owned by Rick Berks.
Maxdaddy Blue Chip is the richest performer in the field with $343,297 going in with this rugged eight-year-old gelded son of Sportswriter now trained by Jim McDonald for Twenty Four Carrot Racing. Maxdaddy Blue Chip will have the driving services of Mike Simons and will leave from post three.
Bass Player, a six-year-old gelded prodigy of Sportsmaster, is trained by Rob Rittof and will have Tyler Smith in his sulky on Sunday night.
Kotare Yael, Mac Anover, Caviart Reagan, Bunkerhill Phil and Loud Splash complete the field.
Post time for the opener is 7:20 p.m. (EST) with the popular Pick-4 (12 percent takeout) in play with a newly added Late Pick-3 added to the wagering menu.
(Pompano Park)