Pompano Beach, FL — Flagman, handled by trainer Rick Plano, led from first long stride to the wire in scoring a lifetime best equaling 1:52.4 triumph at Pompano Park on Monday night (April 4) in the $14,200 Open Handicap Trot.

The 5-year-old gelded son of Guccio ripped off fractions of :26.4, :56.1 and 1:24.1 in holding new arch-rival Max (Wally Hennessey) safe by a long neck. Keystone Apache (John MacDonald) was third, collaring The Lionking AS late for show honors while Crossfit Mouse picked up the nickel in the classy quintet.

Flagman held Max at bay in taking Pompano Park’s Open Trot in 1:52.4. Jessica Hallett photo.

Using seemingly effortless speed off the wings, Flagman, handicapped by the outside post, zipped the aforementioned quick opening panel to out-gun The Lionking AS as Crossfit Mouse drafted along from the rail in third, followed by Keystone Apache with Max spotting the leader more than seven lengths early on.

Positions remained stagnant for the first half-mile with Max the only one on the move once they entered backstretch territory as, once again, the pace accelerated.

Around the final bend, Max had reached second but was still close to three lengths away. Once they straightened away in the lane, Max began to gnaw away with a :28 closer but his rally fell a bit short as they hit the wire.

Owned by Maryann Plano, Flagman earned his fourth win of the year in 11 starts, vaulting his earnings for 2022 to $39,554 and $166,959 lifetime. As the 4-5 favorite, Max paid $3.60 to win.

Planoi also took the $12,600 Open II Trot with Born To Thrive as this 9-year-old altered son of Swan For All made two moves during his 1:54.1 triumph over the fastest closing Don’t Sass Me (Hennessey) with Enzio (John MacDonald) third.

It was Susie’s Sister wrestling the lead from Enzio after a sharp :26.4 opening panel with Gemologist away in good order third and Born To Thrive, beginning from the outside post seven, finding a spot closer up in fourth.

With little rest, Born To Thrive was out and going under the line the first time and began his second move — this one grinding forward past the :55.3 half and sticking a nose in front at the third station in 1:24.1. In the lane, Born To Thrive continued on and only had to contain the late surge of Don’t Sass Me at the wire.

Born To Thrive, owned by Maryann Plano along with John Campagnuolo, sent his 2022 scorecard to 4-1-0 in six starts with $23,600 in bounty. In getting his 47th career win, Born To Thrive sent his lifetime earnings to $480,407. Born To Thrive was the slight favorite at 8-5 and returned $5.40 to his faithful.

Wally Hennessey had five wins on the card with Freaky Flyer ($4.60), Misty Memory N ($2.10), Splitsville ($4.00), Skyline Hanover ($37.00) and Hurrikanekingcarlo ($8.80) all reaching the winner’s circle.

Racing continues on Tuesday night with a blockbuster 13-race program featuring a pair of Pick-4 events, each with a $15,000 guaranteed pool bolstered by a bettor friendly 12 percent takeout, lowest in the industry, a second Pick-5 event and a Super Hi-5 jackpot with a carryover of $134,458. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.