by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — The grand pacer Panocchio earned his 50th lifetime win on Sunday night (Jan. 8) in Pompano Park’s $12,000 Open Handicap Pace, conquering his five rivals in 1:52.1.

Skip Smith photo

Panocchio collects his 50th lifetime victory on Sunday evening at Pompano Park.

Driven by Hall of Fame driver Wally Hennessey, the 7-year-old gelded son of No Pan Intended, beginning from the outside six post on a coolish night—61 degree—in South Florida, took command around the opening turn and went on to post fractions of :27; :56 and 1;23.4 before a :28.2 finale left Fritzie Pic Up Man, handled by Tom Jackson, three-parts-of-a-length back in second at the wire.

Bluehourpower, teamed up with Ricky Macomber, Jr., finished third after a backside binge from fourth that put him a threatening second around the final turn before faltering a bit late. Whogoesfirst used a ground saving journey to finish fourth while Duc Dorleans picked up the minor award in the field of six.

After the event, driver Hennessey related, “Well, it was kinda cool tonight—not as cool as Chicago or New York—but, cool, nonetheless for Florida. I wanted to get him to the top tonight to try and control the pace and we got a nice breather in that second quarter and that helped a lot. On the backside, Ricky’s horse (Bluehourpower) was pacing strong so Panocchio, on his own, picked up the pace and held him at bay and in the lane he was on his own all the way home. Considering the cool temperature, he did just fine.”

In garnering his 50th career victory in 110 lifetime starts, Panocchio sent his bankroll to $409,368–$12,000 of that in the first eight days of this new year.

The brilliant pacer has won 28 of his 41 career starts at Pompano Park and currently holds the track record of 1:48.3.

Owned by Emile Johnson, Jr. along with trainer Jim Mattison, Panocchio enriched his multitude of backers with a win mutual of $2.40.

The $10,000 Open II Pace went to Legal Spike, trained by Jamie Macomber for owner and driver Ricky Macomber Jr. The 6-year-old altered son of Third Straight, a $5,000 claim some three months ago, has steadily moved up the ladder since and on this night, used two moves to score in 1:52.2, his margin of victory 1-1/2 lengths over the late charging Mystic Desire, driven by Aaron Byron.

Abreathofreshart was third for Wally Hennessey while Rockntouch finished fourth. Secretsoftheknight, last half-way through the mile, rallied to pick up the nickel in the field of nine.

Legal Spike, leaving from post five, pushed the Hummer Starting Gate out of the way to take command early with Pop Cop (post 7) and Ideal Fashion (post 8) both on the prowl with the latter taking the field to the opener in a hot :27 first quarter-mile, with Pop Cop next and Legal Spike third—but not for long.

Three-eighths into the mile, Legal Spike was back on top, posting subsequent panels of :55 and 1:23.3 before his :28.4 sprint home sealed the deal.

Legal Spike won for the 13th time in his career to send his lifetime bankroll to $113,987–$25,200 of that since the Hoosier Park claim on Oct. 13, 2016.
Off at 6-5 on the tote-board, Legal Spike paid $4.40 to win.

Racing continues on Monday night (Jan. 9) with the $12,000 Open Trot. Cashahallic is installed as the 3-1 morning line choice in the field of nine.

The 9-year-old Richie Silverman trainee comes into the action looking to add to his lifetime bankroll of $336,765. Aaron Byron is expected in the bike.