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

Pompano Beach, FL — Mysticism once again established himself as the fastest 2-year-old winner in North America this season, sizzling to a 1:53.4 victory in a qualifying race on Friday morning (June 13) at Pompano Park.

Trained and driven to victory by Walter Ross, Mysticism, sired by Dragon Again from the top raceway mare Imawesternlady, is a homebred colt, bred by Patricia Ross and co-owned by Ross and Mary Elizabeth Caputo.

Mysticism, competing against six other 2-year-old pacers, went right to the lead from post four and led the field to the opening quarter in :30.1. He then started to pull away by six lengths at the half-mile pole in :58 and then the afterburners kicked in.

Leading by 16 lengths at the three-quarter marker in 1:26.1, Ross let Mysticism have his way at the top of the stretch and the colt took off with a :27.3 final quarter to win by 33 lengths. Tough Chip (Bob Roberts) was second with Storming Howard (Wally Hennessey) third.

Two weeks ago Mysticism made his debut at Pompano Park against older horses and won a qualifying race in 1:57.2.

Mysticism’s dam, Imawesternlady, was a $105,000 career winner with a record of 1:54.1 taken at Pompano Park. She is a 100 percent producer and currently has two other foals racing. They are Imasouthern Lady p,3,1:55.4f ($38,000) and Imawesterndragon p,3,1:56f ($15,000).