by Steve Wolf, Director of Marketing, Pompano Park
Pompano Beach, Florida – January 25, 2005 – Track record holder Damon Runyon, one of the favorites for the $150,000 Mack Lobell Trotting Series in February, goes for his second straight win Wednesday at Pompano Park in the 9th race Open Handicap.
Last week the eight-year-old gelding by Cumin nearly tied his own track record for older geldings with a 1:54.3 triumph, missing the mark by one-fifth of a second for driver Wally Hennessey. He led from start to finish, just holding on by a neck over Ultimate Sundance.
Starting from four, Damon Runyon is the 9/5 morning line favorite for trainer Lawrence Nichols and owner Carol Karter of Lake Worth, Fl.
Rival Ultimate Sundance is the 3-1 second choice in the race and starts from post five for driver Bruce Ranger. The 10-year-old gelding may be the oldest starter in the field but he was also the winningest one in 2004, going to the winner’s circle 15 times for owner Mike Biel of Ft. Lauderdale. Last year he was the fastest trotter at Pompano Park, taking his lifetime mark in 1:55.
Third choice in the field is the Argentinean world record double gaited horse, Chucaro Ahijuna. He starts from post six for driver Kevin Wallis and was a 14-time winner last year. He is the fastest horse in the field with a lifetime mark last year of 1:53.3.
Also entered are Guy Gets Girl (post 3), Midgie (post 2) who won 14 times with ten second place finishes last year and Muscle Boss Vita (post 1).