Panocchio heads opening night at Pompano Park

Pompano Beach, FL – October 23, 2021 – Pompano Park opens on Sunday night for its 100 night 2021-22 championship harness racing season and the festivities fittingly feature track record holder Panocchio in action in a classy million dollar sextet of talent.

The now 11-year-old rugged gelded son of No Pan Intended seeks lifetime win number 75 and has drawn post four with Dave Ingraham in the sulky for trainer Jim Mattison, who co-owns with wife Vicki and Emile Johnson, Jr.

The winner of $665,108, Panocchio set his 1:48.3 track record six seasons ago and has been described by the Mattisons as “a true blessing in our lives.”

Panocchio is 9 to 2 in the morning line as the competition in this $11,000 event as he tackles some stiff opponents including Double Metal, a three year-old Betting Line colt trained by Peter Blood, who co-owns with Rick Berks.

Double Metal comes to town from the tough Pennsylvania circuit where he has compiled a consistent 5-4-4 scorecard in 19 starts, including a 1:50.4 win in Philly.

Wally Hennessey will be in his sulky and is 6 to 5 in the morning line, despite having drawn the outside six post.
Freak On A Leash, Kotare Yael, Captain Malicious and Hard Rock Hulk complete the talented field.

Also on the opening night card, the Sunshine Stakes begin for two and three year-olds with several 2020 champions returning to defend their crowns. The pari-mutuel program features 11 events with four additional Sunshine Stakes competing in early non-betting events.

The sophomore division for pacing geldings features a re-match between last season’s champ, Theflyingrock and Mister David C, one-two in last year’s Super Night Final.

Theflyingrock, owned by Richard Marsh will have trainer Mike Simons in his sulky and comes off a ver sharp lifetime best performance of 1:51.4 win, sawing off fractions of :26.4, :54.4 and 1:23 in the process.

Pompano Park will offer a generous buffet of wagering options for the season, including early and late doubles, Pick-3, Pick-4, Pick-5, Pick-6 and Super Hi-5 wagering on each night’s finale. Standard exacta, trifecta and superfects are also on the menu.

Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.

by John Berry, for Pompano Park