by Steve Wolf, Senior Director Racing Operations, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, Fl – Honest Lawyer ($13.40) used perfect cover from pacesetter Doctor Viagra in posting a neck victory in the $10,000 Open Handicap Pace at Pompano Park Saturday.

The 5th race feature started off with Honest Lawyer and driver Daryl Bier shooting to the early lead in a speedy :26.4 to the opening quarter mile. But it was Doctor Viagra and driver Brett Miller whom were also on the move as they took command of the race away from Honest Lawyer right after the first quarter.

Miller was able to give Doctor Viagra a breather as the field raced Indian-style past the half mile mark in :56.3 but then the pace quickened as the 3/5 betting favorite, Prodigal Two and driver Anthony Napolitano came first up and started to press the leaders to the three-quarters in 1:24.3 and following Prodigal Two’s outside cover was Eleven A M and driver Bruce Ranger.

But as they started down the stretch, Bier was able to get clearance with Honest Lawyer who was able to collar Doctor Viagra before the finish to win by a neck in 1:52.4. Golden Mattjesty (David Ingraham) closed well to be third.

A six-year-old gelding by Cole Muffler, Honest Lawyer is trained by Phil Goldberg for the Daryl Bier Stable and is owned by Eilliam Emmons of Farmingdale, NJ. It was Honest Lawyer’s sixth victory this year.

Pompano Park will be completely closed with no live racing or poker on Monday, December 25 for the Christmas Day holiday.