by Frank Salive, publicity director, Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — A couple of key equipment changes for top Florida bred pacing gelding Palm Beach Boy worked like a charm on the opening card of 2011 at The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.

For his first start as a 3-year-old, the Six Of Diamonds-Kadijah son had his earplugs and side (cheek) rolls removed. On the perfect 72 degree evening, Palm Beach Boy was a dominant winner in 1:56.4 in the second leg of the Gator Series with Wally Hennessey in tow.

After winning the Florida Breeders Championship on Dec. 5, Palm Beach Boy was a lackluster third on Dec. 22 in the first leg of the Gator Series but he was back in dominant form this time out for owner Carol Karter of Boynton Beach, Fla. TL Six Shooter (Joe Pavia, Jr.) and Gold Star Buster (Anthony Napolitano) gave futile chase to Palm Beach Boy.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

Keep On Cookin (#2, inside) held off Angela (#6, outside) in Pompano’s Orange Blossom Series.

In the second leg of the Orange Blossom Series for the state-bred pacing fillies making their first starts as 3-year-olds, Keep On Cookin positioned herself for a series sweep. Trainer-driver Rick Schaut shares ownership with Elizabeth Schaut of Anderson, Ind.

He had the daughter of Capital Request-Rockin Lady in command of the pace the whole way to stop the clock in 1:57.1. Angela, in rein to Wally Hennessey, mounted a big stretch close for the runner-up share while Stiletto Jane, partnered by Bruce Ranger, took third.

Delivered From Zin crushes top class

The top class weekly pacing event in South Florida went to the starting gate for a $12,500 purse and a newcomer to the local scene won in a romp.

Delivered From Zin took charge in the final half and was driving away at the end in 1:50.3, the meet’s fastest mile since racing resumed last Oct. 16. The 8-year-old Sealed N Delivered-Zinful gelding was plucked from a $30,000 claimer at Harrah’s Chester on Dec. 20 and was making his Pompano debut for trainer Christie Collins and the ownership of J L Benson Stables of Ft. Lauderdale. Anthony Napolitano was in the bike for the impressive score over longshot Utah Jack (Kevin Sizer) and Daley Deposit Only (Dan Daley).

The Winter Capital of Harness Racing will be adding a 12th race to the upcoming weekday cards. Except for a dark week from April 17-24, post time is 7:05 p.m. (EST) every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday through May. In June the Tuesday cards are dropped from the schedule.