by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Rockntouch, driven by Mickey McNichol, scored a decisive two length win in Pompano Park’s $10,000 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday (April 9), stopping the timer in 1:52.1.

The 5-year-old gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven pinned the defeat on the pacesetting Arsenal, handled by John MacDonald, with Sing For Me George, with Kevin Wallis in the bike, third after dawdling near the back of the pack for most of the journey. Pointsman was fourth after applying first-over pressure on the leader from turn two through turn three while E R Melvin picked up the minor award in the classy octet of side-wheelers.

Skip Smith photo

Rockntouch took top honors in Pompano Park’s Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night.

At the outset, Arsenal blasted off the wings into the early lead with Winyard Hanover settling in the garden spot while St Lads Lotto was away in good order on the rail through an opening panel of :27.1.

Three-eighths in, things started heating up as Pointsman pulled from fifth with Rockntouch catching his live cover and halfway through the mile in :56, Pointsman was just a length away with Winyard Hanover sitting chilly in third and Rockntouch second over and E R Melvin third over.

The pace quickened on the backside and when Arsenal hit the third station in 1:24, Pointsman was looking him in the eye with Rockntouch surging on a double-bubble binge that swept him to the lead once they straightened away and widening his advantage to the wire.

In a post-race interview, driver Mickey McNichol related, “Well, in every race, there is an element of skill and an element of good luck. Dave (Ingraham) pulled fairly early and I was lucky enough to get a very good journey behind his horse (Pointsman). I kind of drafted along behind him and around the final turn, I gave my horse room to roam and he was his usual strong self. Rockntouch made me look good tonight, so I was just a passenger on a very good horse.”

Owned by Salvatore Promuto along with the Fred Monteleone Stable, Rockntouch notched his fourth win of the year in 13 starts, good for $25,775. Lifetime, Rockntouch has banked $132,195 to go along with his mark of 1:51.2 set earlier this year at Pompano Park. As fourth choice in the betting, Rockntouch paid $14.80 to win.

Speaking of “good luck,” McNichol also drove the pacer Good Luck to a 29-1 upset victory in a conditioned event the race prior, sparking a Pick-6 carryover of $7,281 going into Monday night’s program.

Trotters will be in the spotlight on Monday as Boli looks for a repeat win in the $10,000 Open Handicap. The 5-year-old gelded son of Kadabra has been installed as the 8-5 morning line favorite and will have the driving services of Wally Hennessey.

The track will also offer a $10,000 guarantee of the Pick-4, in cooperation with the USTA Strategic Wagering Program.

Post time is 7:20 p.m.