Pompano: Velocity Vespa sets track record in victory

Velocity Vespa and George Napolitano, Jr. teamed up to score a track record 1:49 victory in the $75,000 Final of the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park Late Closing Series on Saturday night (March 5).

Though that was a highlight on the "Super Saturday" program, the pair had to share with spotlight as the stars--both in the sky and on the track--were plentiful and shined brightly the entire night.

$75,000 Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park Late Closing Final

The aforementioned Velocity Vespa appeared to push the Hummer Starting Gate out of the way at the start and blasted her way through fractions of 26 1/5, 54 and 1:21 before sprinting home in 28 to score a victory measuring just short of a length in 1:49, the fastest of any distaffer in the 52-year history of the track.

The 6-year-old daughter of I Scoot Hanover, trained by Chris Oakes for owner Susan Oakes, off as the 3 to 5 public choice, pinned the defeat on Show Runner, driven by Tim Tetrick. Pertty Music, handled by Kevin Wallis, was third almost seven lengths away.

This was a classic "Nap" drive as he had Velocity Vespa ripe to roll and she did just that, thwarting any threats that may have developed during the mile while all out late.

"You know, last week I was a little lazy leaving with her and she was hung out there the whole way," said Napolitano. "Chris (trainer Oakes) even yelled at me a bit after that and I told him that would not happen again. He reminded me that she came out of last week excellent and that she'd be ready for this tonight. Boy, was she ever ready."

Velocity Vespa is now 6 for 8 this semester with earnings of $69,125, more than all of last season in 32 starts.

Lifetime, Velocity Vespa has earned $237,362.

She paid $3.20 to her many faithful.

$30,000 INVITATIONAL HANDICAP TROT TO WIND OF THE NORTH

Wind Of The North, catch-driven by David Miller, slipped through along the pylons in deep stretch to score a sharp 1:53 3/5 win in his 2016 seasonal debut.

The 6-year-old altered son of Cantab Hall, trained by Jenny Bier, who co-owns with Jonann Dombeck, scored by 3/4s of a length over Oho Diamond, driven by Wally Hennessey. Crazy About Pat and Tim Tetrick teamed up to be third while Natural Herbie finished fourth.

It was the track record-holding mare Oho Diamond away alertly with Wind Of The North also showing gate speed from the coveted five post and Crazy About Pat next, finding a cozy seat in third.

At the 27 2/5 opener, Oho Diamond was leading the way with Wind Of The North cozily next through a half in 56 3/5. On the backside, Crazy About Pat left the pocket and charged up to challenge with Wind Of The North still sitting chilly third and patiently waiting for any seam to open along the inside.

In the lane, that seam developed and Miller took advantage and shot Wind Of The North on through to score the win.

In the winner's circle, driver David Miller said, "This being his first start, I really didn't want to push him too hard too early but he seemed anxious so I let him do what he wanted and found a nice spot early. I think he raced really big, especially off of a qualifier. He beat a very good field tonight, too. It was an honor to drive him."

In garnering his 19th lifetime win in 73 starts, Wind Of The North now has amassed $485,848 in career bounty to go along with his 1:51 mark. He is heavily staked according to Daryl Bier and will soon move up to the Meadowlands as he prepares for the Elitlopp Playoff on Mother's Day.

$20,000 OPEN HANDICAP PACE

SCOTT ROCKS "ROCKS" IN 1:49

Scott Rocks, handled by George Napolitano, jr., turned the tables on arch-rival Panocchio and roared on by in the lane to score a handy three length win in 1:49.

Panocchio, slicing through panels of 26 1/5; 54 1/5 and 1:21 3/5 finished second for Wally Hennessey while Johnny Grippa was third.

Said winning driver George Napolitano, Jr., after the event, "You know, this is a very underrated horse. He has a very quick and sharp burst--I mean, really lightning like. And, of course (tongue-in-cheek), a lot had to do with the drive. Last week, they got the trip. This week, we got the trip. No doubt, he was very sharp, very quick tonight."

Trained by Chris Oakes for owners Susan Oakes and Chuck Pompey, Scott Rocks, a 6-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover, now sports a 2-1-0 scorecard in three starts and now has lifetime earnings of $358,775.

AS the 3 to 5 tote-board favorite, Scott Rocks rewarded his $2.00 investors with a dividend of $3.20.

-Edited release by John Berry for Pompano Park