by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Rocky’s Z Tam and Hollywood Sign A took the opening legs of the Fred Monteleone Memorial Series at Pompano Park, each covering the abbreviated distance of five-eighths of a mile in 1:08.2 on Sunday (Feb. 25).

Monteleone, a long time patron of the sport who bred and owned many notable horses, passed away last October after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Skip Smith photo

Rocky’s Z Tam pulled off an 18-1 upset in the opening leg of the Monteleone Memorial Series on Sunday night.

Rocky’s Z Tam, the 6-year-old gelded son of World Of Rocknroll, went a game first over journey for driver Ricky Macomber Jr. to score by a neck over the pacesetting Drachan Hanover, handled by Wally Hennessey. Lyons Johnny closed stoutly for John MacDonald to finish third, just a half- length away, while the favorite, Dee’s Rocket Man, finished fourth. Fritzie Pic Up Man, last and far back early from his outside post, actually closed fastest of all to pick up the nickel in the classy field of seven.

The early fractions of :27 and :54.3 were put up by Drachan Hanover with Rocky’s Z Tam away fourth but on a first over binge engaging the leader in war around the final bend. These two raced as a team all the way home with Lyons Johnny joining the fray in deep stretch. On the line, Rocky’s Z Tam, an 18-1 proposition, got the nod, scoring his second win of the year in seven starts.

In a post race interview, trainer Jamie Macomber was proud of the pacer’s performance, relaying, “He (Rocky’s Z Tam) had been giving hints in his recent races, so I was expecting him to be competitive tonight. Ricky (husband Macomber) drove him with confidence and the horse raced with confidence. He kept digging right to the wire…very happy!”

Owned by Z Tam Stables LLC, Rocky’s Z Tam won for the 14th time in 99 career starts with the major share of the $12,000 purse sending his lifetime bounty to $162,196 to go along with his Hoosier Park mark of 1:50.1. Off as fifth choice, Rocky’s Z Tam paid $38.20 to win.

Hollywood Sign A, the 9-year-old gelded Aussie bred son of Life Sign, was given very smart handling by owner-trainer Matt Krueger to pin a one length defeat on track record holder Panocchio — the latter making his 2018 debut for trainer Jim Mattison and driver Wally Hennessey. Uncmprmising Z Tam, driven by Ricky Macomber Jr., was third, three lengths back, while Sing For Me George and Doo Wop Hanover earned the minors in the sharp octet.

At the bell, Hollywood Sign A, leaving from post seven, left smartly with Panocchio (post eight) in hot pursuit with the latter taking command through an opening panel of :27.1. Panocchio continued to lead through a half in :55.1 and seemed to have things under control. Straightening away for the drive home, Hollywood Sign A tilted out of his cozy pocket and began gnawing away until taking command a sixteenth from the wire.

Second in his last four outings, Hollywood Sign A picked up his first win of the year in seven starts, vaulting his seasonal bounty to $17,385. Lifetime, it was win number 29 in 145 starts, good for $217,293. Off as the 2-1 second choice, Hollywood Sign A paid $6.20 to win.

The Fred Monteleone Memorial Series continues with the next leg being at one mile and the $30,000 final slated for 1-1/4 miles.

The $10,000 Open II Pace went to American Hustle, smartly handled by Bryce Fenn.

This 4-year-old son of American Ideal wired his opposition by stringing together panels of :26.2, :55.3 and 1:23.4 before a :27.3 finale held The Onlyest One, with George Napolitano Jr. handling the line, at bay by a half-length in a lifetime best 1:51.2. Pointsman, driven by Rick Plano, was third, while Bestinthebusiness and No Bad Dreams also picked up checks in the field of six.

It was the 10th career win in only 22 career starts for owner-trainer Bryan Lawrence’s American Hustle. Third choice at 5-1, American Hustle paid $12.40 to win.

Racing continues on Monday night with a Pick-5 carryover of $10,556.70 igniting a $40,000 guarantee. The Pick-5 begins on race one. The Super Hi-5 Jackpot is also at record territory with a carryover of $251,878.96 going into the Monday program. Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.