by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — The number “9” seems to be a very troublesome number in the world of etymology. The phrases “cloud nine,” “whole nine yards” and “dressed to the nines” are just a few including the number “9” and Tuesday night (Dec. 20) at Pompano Park the number “‘9” proved to cover the entire rainbow of these meanings.

First off, the number nine, Bistro, driven by Aaron Byron, took the first race at 64-1 odds, providing a $131.60 win payoff, keying a $1,175.80 exacta and a $2 trifecta payoff of $9,018.60.

A few races later Stache, leaving from post nine with Rick Plano in the bike, scored a 9-1 upset win, keying a Pick-4 payoff of $13,798.80 for the 50-cent ticket.

Then in the Super Hi-5 finale, number nine was scratched and one very fortunate player is on cloud nine this a.m. after taking the whole nine yards in the Super Hi-5 finale — $37,814.92 for that winning 20-cent combination.

Gabe Prewitt, Director of Racing, said, “We have had very competitive and exciting racing here and we believe it is only going to get better from here. Racing Secretary Greg DeFrank and assistant Joe Frasure have put together great cards night after night and fans are noticing. These drivers are going for everything they can get on the racetrack and that is what this sport is all about — competition!”

Racing continues on Wednesday night with a Pick-6 carryover followed by a short holiday respite. Racing then continues on Monday night (Dec. 26) with the normal mid-season five night per week schedule. Post time is 7:20 p.m.