by Steve Wolf, Senior Director Racing Operations, Pompano Park

Fresh off his track record breaking 13th consecutive victory, undefeated trotting star You’re Next puts his perfect record on the line Monday at Pompano Park in the 5th race feature event.

Starting from post three, You’re Next is the 5/2 morning line and for the first time will be driven by Bruce Ranger. Regular pilot, Wally Hennessey, who has steered You’re Next in all of his 13 wins, is away on vacation. Ranger, who is the all-time winningest driver at Pompano Park with more than 3,500 victories, did drive You’re Next once in a non-wagering qualifying race.

Trained by Fred Cohen, You’re Next is a five-year-old gelding by Yankee Paco and is owned by Andrew Sassen of Coral Springs. Sassen’s mother, Deborah Sassen, had previously owned the trotter but she has now passed down ownership to her son.

Also expected to be watching on Monday is You’re Next’s good luck charm, 90-year-old Ruth Dunay, Andrew Sassen’s grandmother, who has never missed one of You’re Next’s 13 wins.

Last week You’re Next set the track record for most consecutive wins at 13. He had been tied with Lady Netty N, who had first set the mark in 1999.

For Monday’s race, You’re Next is moving up in class and is facing much more formidable rivals in return winners Damon Runyon and Ashcos Scotty. Damon Runyon, a former track record holder, recently won a qualifying race by 15½ lengths in 1:57.4 and will start alongside You’re Next from post two. Ashocos Scotty was victorious in this class just last week, winning by a neck in 1:57.2. He will start from post five.

Other contenders in the race include Class Action N, Absolute Resolve, Frosted Caviar and Budlightning.