by Frank Salive, publicity director, The Isle Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — With Director of Racing Operations John Yinger quick to point out that they are not major increases, things are trending upward in the purse and handle categories at The Isle Pompano Park.

The December 23 program marked the implementation of purse hikes ranging from about 2.5 percent to over 9 percent in some categories. For $4,000 claiming pacers and trotters, the purse is increased from $3,200 to $3,500; for the $15,000 claiming pacers four years of age and under, the purse is increased from $6,800 to $7,000; for $12,500 claiming pacers, the purse is increased from $6,800 to $7,000; and in the non-winners of $6,001 in the last five starts condition, the purse is increased from $6,800 to $7,000.

“This is just a slight purse bump in a few classes where we felt it was needed and it was possible at this time,” says The Isle Pompano Park’s Race Secretary Greg DeFrank.

As for handle, the final two programs before Christmas produced the best nights of the meet since racing resumed on September 19. Wagering on the December 21 program topped $231,000 and on the December 23 card the recorded handle was a meet high at just under $400,000.

“It appears we may have just hit a good niche in the market on this week’s programs,” says Yinger. “That said we’re really pleased with the slow, gradual upward trend. On December 23 we also noted a decent on-track handle of over $36,000 which we’re always glad to see. These are very slow and small steps forward but the trend has us thinking that things will continue on a good path for 2010.”

Class dropper scores large

With trainer Mike Deters stepping out of the race bike in favor of Tom Sells, the promising trotter Baseball Express was a deserving even money favorite on the Wednesday evening, December 23 card which played out in a perfect 72 degree setting in South Florida.

The 5-year-old gelding by Conway Hall-Pine Booth controlled things all the way to easily topple eight foes in the conditioned test in 1:56.2.

In November Baseball Express competed in the $13,000 Open Handicap Trot and this return to form signals in a big way he’ll soon be on his way up the class ladder again. Ownership is held by Kevin Burch.

Last week, Fudgjoe upset Baseball Express. This week, however, Fudgjoe made a break coming out of the final turn and squandered a pocket trip. Perfect Bubbles with Don Cromer in tow and Aviewtoakill with Fern Paquet, Jr. completed the trifecta ticket.

For a second consecutive Wednesday evening program, Matt Kakaley reined in three winners. These included claiming pacers Kaa Dee Elmo, Hose Me Down and AG’s Escape. Andy Santeramo had the distinction of both a training and driving double on the program with claiming pacer Born With Class and claiming trotter Peacelovenjoy.

The only holiday season change to the track’s schedule is no program on December 25. Racing will resume on Saturday, December 26, at 7:05 p.m. with the customary doubleheader program which will be fast off the gate on Boxing Day with the Open Pace and Open Trot starting off the proceedings at The Winter Capital of Harness Racing.