by Steve Wolf, Director of Marketing, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, Florida – Race Me Valerie goes for her fifth straight win Friday at Pompano Park in the 10th race Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace. The 9/5 race favorite starts from post five for driver Kevin Wallis.

The youngest competitor in the field at age 4, Race Me Valerie proved she is a contender, competing in the Open Class for the first time last week and defeating the best mares on the grounds with a lifetime best 1:54.1 triumph by a head. Trained by Linda Wallis and owned by Yvette Prudenzano and Basil Kellis of Wells, Maine, Race Me Valerie has the ability to win from both on and off the pace.

Second choice at odds of 5/2 is Barbara Noble Lady from post four for driver Wally Hennessey. Last week she returned after a two-month layoff to finish second in the photo finish against Race Me Valerie. She is the class of the field with career earnings of $147,000.

Other contenders include Hyde Park Hussie N (post 6), ICU Miss (post 3), All American Fancy (post 2) and the only other return winner in the field, Shelly F (post 1), who last week faced lesser competition and won by a half length, also in a lifetime best time of 1:54.

There are 13 races Friday at Pompano Park and every race except the 10th will feature Superfecta Wagering as part of the track’s Superfecta Friday’s promotion.

The Paper Wazoo, a former track record holder and career winner of $444,000, who won a track record 26 Open Class pacing events at Pompano Park, will be officially retired Saturday in a special winner’s circle presentation after the 6th race.