by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Imahonkyconchman and Iain’tnomomaluke each scored handy victories on Sunday night (Jan. 18) as Pompano Park presented second round action in the Interloper Late Closing Series for claiming trotters.

Skip Smith photo

Imahonkyconchman, deftly handled by Dan Clements, scored a 1:56.4 victory on Sunday night as Pompano Park hosted the second round of the Interloper Late Closing Series.

Imahonkyconchman, owned and trained by George Napolitano, now a spry 90 years young, got the picture perfect drive from Dan Clements to score a 1:56.4 decision measuring 1-3/4 lengths over Skyway Glider, handled by Norm Dessureault, with Nomad, teamed up with Rick Plano, third. The favorite Pilgrims All In finished fourth after cutting all the panels — :28, :57.2 and 1:27.1. What About Brian picked up the final award in the field of seven.

Clements sent Imahonkyconchman, a 9-year-old altered son of Conchnito, away alertly when the gate sprang open and neatly settled in the pocket back of Pilgrims All In until tipping out for the drive home.

“It was a great journey,” Clements stated after the race. “He may not be a world champion but he sure gives his all every start. He’s been knocking at the door the last three or four starts (actually four) and tonight he just responded perfectly when asked. I’m happy for George — he’s quite a guy!”

For Imahonkyconchman, it was his first victory of the new year in three starts — 24th lifetime victory — and sent his lifetime earnings edging just shy of $100,000 — $99,048 to be exact. As fifth choice in the win pool, Imahonkyconchman paid $17.40 to win.

Iain’tnomomaluke’s victory also measured 1-3/4 lengths with Wally Hennessey handling the lines for 81-year-old trainer Marc Aubin. Owned by Amante Standardbreds, this 7-year-old gelded son of Dream Vacation took command shortly after the start and clocked fractions of :28.3, :58.2 and 1:27 before sprinting home virtually unchallenged in :29.3 to stop the clock in 1:56.3 for his 10th lifetime success in 90 lifetime starts. He’s banked $111,784 lifetime.

Amen Amen, with Peter Wrenn in the bike, chased the winner the entire route to finish second while Wishin Iwas Fishin, driven by Jason Dillander, rallied for third. Dreamnwillie and Soxy’s Kid picked up the other rewards in the septet.

In a post race interview, driver Hennessey said, “Last week when I drove him, he didn’t seem to like the going. The track was fast tonight and he was very sharp.”

As the 5-2 second choice among the punters, Iain’tnomomaluke paid $7.60 to win.

Once again, the Super Hi-5 had multiple winners on Sunday night — the consolation paying a healthy $823.22 for a 20 cent bet — sending the carryover to Monday night’s card close to $50,000, an all-time record for the track. Post time is 7:30 p.m.