Australian-bred Waikiki Beach, who had gained a stellar reputation racing in New Zealand, made his North American debut at Pompano Park on Sunday (January 28) and scored for Scott Zeron in 1:51.4 in the $11,000 Open Handicap Pace.
The gelded six-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere grinded first over through his individual final half in :53.4 to gnaw by a stubborn Drachan Hanover (driven by Wally Hennessey) to score by a half-length. Doo Wop Hanover, with Tony Kerwood driving, was a fast-closing third, while Team Captain, in the garden spot early, finished fourth over Sing For Me George, who finished fifth in the six-horse field.
Drachan Hanover left from Post 5 and took the field through an opening panel of :27.3. As usual, Hennessey gave Drachan Hanover a superb rating and waltzed over to the half in :57.2. That’s when things started to heat up.
On the backside, Waikiki Beach began his jaunt forward, and, through an official third panel of :27.2, moved from third, two and a half lengths off the pace, to the saddle pad of Drachan Hanover with three-quarters on the board in 1:24.4
In the lane, Drachan Hanover and Waikiki Beach ‘dropped the gloves’ in an all-out war to the line. Waikiki Beach edged to the front in the final few strides on the strength of his :27 finale.
After the race, Zeron lamented, “I knew when I qualified him that the expectations were high and that he’s capable of being a major player at the open level. I expected him to give me a solid effort, but to go from a (1):58 qualifier to a (1):51 and a piece race was impressive — not to mention the way we did it first up with a strong back half.”
Trained by Ross Croghan for Let It Ride Stables, Waikiki Beach, who earned $708,019 Down Under, tacked on $5,500 to that in his American debut and paid $7.00 as second choice in the betting.
The $9,000 Open II Pace went to the gritty Dee’s Rocketman, driven by Andy Santeramo for trainer Mickey McNichol.
Also over the weekend, the Florida Amateur Driving Club was in action with a trio of events with the ‘Go For The Greens’ Foundation benefitting with the club’s generous donation.
Go For The Greens is ‘teeing’ up for its 10th annual convention benefitting women-owned and minority businesses.
In the winner’s circle after the Saturday night races, FADC President Dein Spriggs said, “Go For The Greens is one of our favourite charitable beneficiaries. Their work on behalf of minorities, women and breast cancer awareness is unceasing and we are proud to help with their goals and strengthen their pillars of success."
Racing continues on Monday night with a Super Hi-5 carryover of $134,463 awaiting the ‘Send It In’ Army.
Post time is 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)