by John Berry, for Pompano Park
Pompano Beach, FL — Drachan Hanover, driven by Wally Hennessey, sent his foes packing on Sunday night (Jan. 14) at Pompano Park as the 6-year-old son of Jereme’s Jet scored a handy 2-1/2 length win in 1:52 in the $11,000 Open Handicap Pace.
Skip Smith photo
Drachan Hanover was a 1:52 winner on Sunday.
Pointsman, with George Napolitano, Jr. in the bike, used his rail post position to perfection to chase the winner all the way around to finish second while Winyard Hanover, handled by John MacDonald, was next. Hollywood Sign rallied from last halfway through the mile to finish fourth while Fritzie Pic Up Man picked up the nickel in the classy septet after a brief bid on the backside.
Drachan Hanover pushed the Silver Bullet starting gate out of the way at the start, taking command from long stride number one and zipped to the opening quarter in :27.1. After a rated half in :56.2, Drachan Hanover thwarted any threatening ideas from his foes with a :27.1 backside blitz and then sealed the deal with a :28.2 closer.
Related Hennessey after the race, “He (Drachan Hanover) came ready to race tonight! He was super alert leaving and, after that first quarter, took good care of himself going to the half. On the backside, I gave him one quick chirp and he was on his way again. Marcel (trainer Barrieau) had him sharp as a tack and he showed that tonight.”
The win was Drachan Hanover’s 19th during his career measuring 79 starts with his earnings vaulting to $400,635. Trained by Marcel Barrrieau for owners Kenneth Rankin and Lloyd Maclean, Drachan Hanover was off at 3-5 on the toteboard and returned $3.40 to his multitude of faithful.
The $9,500 Open II Pace went to Team Captain, driven by Andy Santeramo. This 6-year-old gelded son of Cam’s Card Shark, making his 100th career start, scored in 1:53.1 after an extraordinarily brave journey — his margin 2-1/4 lengths over Respectable Dream, driven by Rick Plano. Uncle Reimus, last early on, rallied for third for Wally Hennessey while Blueberry Heaven and Indy Ingot were next, earning minor awards in the field of eight.
Santeramo had high praise for Team Captain saying, “From the outside post, I went looking but there was lots happening up front but I was lucky to find a spot mid-pack. He went a heckuva quarter on the backstretch, didn’t he? And he just kept on going to the wire.”
Trained by Mickey McNichol for owner Joseph Martinelli Sr., Team Captain earned his 16th lifetime win to send his career bounty to $157,951. Off as fourth choice at 7-1, Team Captain paid $17.40 to win.
In other action, Doo Wop Hanover, driven by Tony Kerwood, used a first over, backside blitz to take command on the final bend and then sprinted home to score a 1:52.4 win in a conditioned event. The now 7-year-old gelded son of Rocknroll Hanover pushed his lifetime earnings to $773,964 with the win — only $12,235 of that over the past two seasons as his comeback continues.
Monday night’s Pompano program features the continuing rivalry between All Charged Up and Wild Wanda. Islay, Machin Marley and Sue’s Night Out look to play spoilers in the classy quintet, which kicks off the program. On the wagering side, Pompano Park’s Super Hi-5 carryover has ballooned to $83,877. Kick-off time is set for 7:20 p.m.