by Steve Wolf, senior director of racing operations, Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL — Former world record holder and the fastest trotter in the 45-year history of the Isle Pompano Park, Tweedle Dum, makes his 2009 debut Monday (April 13) in a $20,000 opening round division of the Trots and Slots Series.

In 154 career starts, Tweedle Dum has 54 wins, 23 seconds and 13 third place finishes with career earnings of $328,000. In 2006 he was the winningest trotter in racing with 21 wins. In 2007 he tied the world record and set the all-age track record at the Isle Pompano Park for trotters with a 1:53.2 victory.

This is the fourth time in his career that Tweedle Dum has returned to the races from injuries. Tweedle Dum starts from post four for driver Wally Ross, Jr. and is the 5-2 morning line favorite. The 9-year-old gelded son of Star Challenge is trained by Gordon Norris and is owned by Norris’s wife, Diane.

In prepping for his debut, Tweedle Dum led from start to finish in a qualifying race at the Isle Pompano Park last week in 1:56.3.

Tweedle Dum’s main competition in the third race first division will come from 3-1 second choice, Too Salty, in post two for driver Bruce Ranger. Two starts back Too Salty won the Open Trot in a lifetime best 1:55 in posting his second win this year.

The fifth race $20,000 second division of the Trots And Slots Series is headlined by Blessed Victory at odds of 5-2 from post three for driver Wally Hennessey. A winner in six of his last eight starts, Blessed Victory has already earned $40,000 this year and has taken a lifetime record of 1:54.3 for trainer Bill Gallagher, who leases the 5-year-old gelding by Conway Hall with Victoria Jackson-Carinda.

Also entered are Slave Dream (post five) who last week won the Open Trot in 1:56 and Farmer Jones (post one) who was second to Slave Dream last week.