by Michael Costanzo, public relations coordinator, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — After finishing second to No Nonsense Yankee in last week’s pacing feature at Pompano Park, JJ’s Gazette excelled in that one’s absence when scoring a 1:53 victory in Saturday’s (Feb. 2) $14,000 Open Handicap Pace at the South Florida oval.

Lap Time Photo – Skip Smith

JJ’S Gazette prevailed in the $14,000 Open Handicap Pace on Saturday in 1:53.

Starting from post five with Andy Santeramo at the lines, JJ’s Gazette was parked on the lead through an opening quarter in :27.2, but was content to yield the top spot to race favorite Eleven A M (Dan Clements), who cut out middle fractions of :56.2 and 1:25.1.

As the field moved through the final turn, JJ’s Gazette vacated the pocket and quickly advanced on Eleven A M, pulling within a head of that rival as the field entered the stretch before sprinting clear of his rivals down the lane to score by 1-1/2 lengths at the wire.

JJ’s Gazette returned $7.40, $4.00, and $2.20 for the victory. Disco Dragon (Anthony Napolitano) paid $2.20 and $2.10 for second, while Paper Luck (Bruce Ranger) brought in $2.60 for third.

Owned by Larry Woodhouse and trainer Dave Mogan, JJ’s Gazette pushed his career bankroll over the $250,000 mark with his Saturday victory. The son of Whiteland Fella, out of the Nihilator mare Almahurst Gazette, has prevailed 35 times from 110 lifetime outings.

JJ’s Gazette is one of 34 horses nominated to the $350,000 Isle of Capri Pacing Series, which will commence with the $20,000 preview on Saturday, February 9.