by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — The first night of the highly anticipated Italian-American Friendship Challenge for Amateur Drivers took place on Saturday night (Jan. 20) at Pompano Park and the Italian visitors took command early and hold a 70 to 56 lead heading into the Sunday night finale.

The four race extravaganza–three of which were held on Saturday night–began with Roberto Giannoni, hailing from S. Froce Sull’Amo, driving Global Inspiration to a narrow win in the opener, defeating Sky Walker’s Rush N Supreme by a neck in 1:59.

The 5-year-old daughter of Andover Hall was outside every step of her mile before doggedly holding on to win by a neck.

Crown Point, driven by Billy Mugglesion, closed stoutly to finish third while On The Tab finished fourth for Daniele Orsini after challenging for the lead around the final bend. The Budster, favored at 4-5 on the tote-board, finished fifth for Steve Oldford.

The winner is trained by Rob Harmon for owner John Campagnuolo and returned $23.20 to win.

With the score favoring the Italians 23 to 19 after round one, the Italians widened their lead in the second round as Bad I Am, driven by Gian Luca Di Venti from Palermo, Italy, soared home from midpack at the top of the stretch to score a 1-1/2 length win in 1:59.2.

The 7-year-old gelded son of Prayer I Am, trained by John Hallett, who co-owns with Michelle Oglesby, earned his 24th lifetime win over Pinky The Intern, driven by Leon Cable.

Italy’s Daniele Orsini piloted Zorgwijk Impact to a courageous third place finish after cutting much of the mile. Tommy Bar was fourth for Ron Cusimano after taking command around the final bend while the lukewarm favorite, Garlandsandpearls, picked up the nickel for Roberto Giannoni.

With the Italians taking round two 26 to 16, the score midway through the competition stood at 49 to 35.

The final Saturday night event went to William Star, handled smartly by owner/trainer Shane Arseneault. This 6-year-old altered son of Windsong Espoir found room turning for home and waltzed on by to score in 1:57.4–his margin 2 1/4 lengths over Chocolate Xplosion, driven by Daniele Orsini.

Prayer Session, who made a huge backside blitz to take command heading towards the final bend, finished third for Gian Luca Di Venti while Pixie Queen (John Campagnuolo) and Extracurricular (Roberto Giannoni) were next.

The grand finale is Sunday night with the Italian contingent holding a 70 to 56 point lead.

The Sunday program also features a $15,000 Guaranteed Pool for the Pick-4 and a Super Hi-5 carryover just a shade under $100,000.

Drachan Hanover heads a talented field in the $11,000 Open Handicap Pace.

Post time is set for 7:20 p.m. with the Italian-American competition scheduled for the third race.