by John Berry, for Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Scott Rocks, handled by George Napolitano, Jr., made his 2016 debut a winning one in Pompano Park’s $16,500 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night (February 21).

Skip Smith photo

Scott Rocks made his 2016 debut a winning one with a 1:51.1 win in Pompano Park’s Open Pace on Sunday night.

The 6-year-old altered son of Rocknroll Hanover used a backside blitz from third to take command turning for home and then pushed on to a victory measuring 1-3/4 lengths over the favorite, Panocchio, in 1:51.1. Heart Felt, longest proposition in the field of seven at better than 50-1, rallied for third, two lengths away. Four Socks finished fourth while Bluehourpower earned the nickel in the field scratched down to seven.

It was Panocchio away alertly with Bluehourpower on the attack early and these two were a lip apart past an opening panel in :26.4.

Once on top, Bluehourpower and Ricky Macomber, Jr. clocked fractions of :55.1 and 1:23.2 with Scott Rocks on his mission to engage the leader turning for home with a :27.3 finale, more than enough to score the win.

In a post-race interview, driver George Napolitano, Jr. said, “Chris (trainer Oakes) told me he qualified very well and that he thought he’d be competitive. We got away in very good order tonight and, on the backside, I thought that I’d give him a chance and see what he’s got. He was very strong on the backside and seemed to take the turn very well. Turning for home, I thought to myself, ‘we got something here.’ “I was pleasantly surprised by his performance.”

Trained by Chris Oakes for Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey, Scott Rocks now sports a 22-15-13 scorecard in 73 lifetime starts, good for $345,025 to go along with his 1:48.4 mark. As second choice at 9-5, Scott Rocks paid $5.80 to win.

Racing continues on Monday night with post time set at 7:30 p.m.