by Steve Wolf, senior director of marketing and communications, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, Florida – April 17, 2004 – Man At The Line and driver Anthony Napolitano didn’t win the 1st race pace at Pompano Park Harness Track Saturday but he made the record books as the 65-1 long shot paid a track record $233.80 to place for a $2.00 wager.

The previous record place price at Pompano Park was $149.20 set on December 12, 1992. The world record place prize is $478.60 set by TDF at Lebanon Raceway in Ohio on April 20, 1992.

The 1st race Saturday was won in a romp by Millburn Star A ($7.00, $4.80, $3.40) in 1:55.3. He won by ten and one-quarter lengths. Man At The Line paid $233.80 to place and $20.00 to show with third place finisher Badaboom paying $3.40 to show.

Star Role ($5.60) and trainer/driver Tom Harmer were at their best in capturing the 10th race $10,000 Open Handicap Pace Saturday in 1:52.1, the fastest mile of the night.

The feature pace saw Joey Zaza and driver Wally Hennessey lead from post six and take the early lead away from Storm Master (Joe Pavia, Jr.) by the opening quarter mile in :27.4. But Harmer was not waiting with Star Role as they quarter moved to take command before the half mile pole in :55.2.

Rare Glory (Anthony Napolitano) was the first to challenge in the backstretch but they could not catch up to the leaders as they hit the three-quarters in 1:24.4. Then in the stretch, Hennessey tried to come back with Joey Zaza but Harmer had Star Role in high gear and they sped away to a three length score. Storm Master was second with Joey Zaza third.

It was the second straight win and fifth victory in ten starts this year for Star Role, a five-year-old gelding by Magical Mike who is owned by Michael Polansky of Loudonville, New York. Star Role has now won four of his last five starts and the only loss was by a nose.

Trainer George Napolitano, Jr. was honored Saturday at the fall-winter meets leading trainer. It was the second time that Napolitano has captured the training title. He led all stables with 114 wins this season. The meet does not end until May 1, but Napolitano was honored Saturday because he is shipping out to Pocono Downs for the summer meet where he was the leading driver and trainer last season.