by Steve Wolf, senior director of racing operations, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Gale Warning, who in his last start was a game second to Buck I St Pat in the $54,800 final of the Mack Lobell Trotting Series, heads the Larry Albano Memorial Trot on Monday (March 17) at the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park.

The race is named in memory of former track employee, professional handicapper and horse owner, Larry Albano, who passed away in June 2004. Albano, a 30-year veteran of the sport began as the handicapper and owner of the “Mickey Green Card,” the leading tip sheet sold at Pompano Park. He later became an expert racing analyst, interviewer and color commentator on Pompano’s televised races. He was also part owner of the top trotter Diamond Goal, who won $586,000, had a record of 1:53.1 and was a multiple stakes winner, including a heat of the Kentucky Futurity and the World Trotting Derby.

Starting from post seven, Gale Warning is the 5-2 morning line favorite for driver Wally Hennessey. Despite being winless this year, Gale Warning has 21 lifetime wins and earnings of $217,000 for the Lorenzo, Gentile and Pomtambo Stables of Deerfield Beach.

The lone mare in the field of nine is the 7-2 second choice, Birminghim, from post three for driver Trevor Ritchie. Making just her second start this year, Birminghim is the class of the field as the 5-year-old mare by Striking Service boasts $712,000 in career earnings.

Other competitors include Terminator Hall from post two, who two starts back won the Open Trot at Pompano Park in 1:55.2, and the lone return winner in the field, Table Wine, who starts from post eight and in his last start scored a lifetime mark of 1:55.4.

Rounding out the field are Battleshoe Victor (post one), Kota Hill (post four), Cisco Hall (post five), Guy Gets Girl (post six) and TJs Mr Lavec (post nine).