Waikiki Beach, the Australian-bred six year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere, scored a repeat win in Pompano Park's $11,000 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night (February 11).
The gallant gelding, who made a successful debut at the south Florida oval in 1:51.4 one week ago, overcame the assignment of the outside Post 8 and seven classy foes to score in a lifetime best 1:50.2.
He eked out a photo-finish win over another Aussie-bred gelding, Hollywood Sign A (driven by Matt Krueger). Fritzie Pic Up Man, who cut the fractions in :26.2, :54.3 and 1:21.4, finished third for George Napolitano Jr. Doo Wop Hanover and Dees Rocketman picked up the ‘minors’ in the octet.
Waikiki Beach, driven by Scott Zeron, scored a repeat win in Pompano Park's $11,000 Open Handicap Pace on Sunday night in 1:50.2. (Skip Smith Photo)
At the opening bell, Waikiki Beach "half-heartedly" left and went in search of a better spot. He finally found one in fifth around the opening turn. On the backside, Zeron tilted his charge out and began gnawing away, but was still some three or four lengths away around the final bend.
Once they straightened away, Waikiki Beach was in full attack mode, and went on to stick his nose in front right on the wire.
In a post-race interview, Zeron lamented, "He had to overcome a lot in the mile tonight and I couldn't have asked for much more finishing. I will say that these were two great starts prepping for the Levy."
Trained by Ross Croghan for the Let It Ride Stables, Waikiki Beach is a perfect two-for-two in the U.S. to go along with his newly established mark.
Lifetime, Waikiki Beach has banked $719,019 -- $11,000 of that in his two starts this year.
Off at even-money on the tote-board, Waikiki Beach paid $4.00 to win.
In other Sunday action, Lyons Johnny (Wally Hennessey) won the $9,000 Claiming Handicap in 1:52.1.
Pompano racing will continue on Monday night with a Super Hi-5 season high carryover of $181,597.
Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.
(With files from Pompano Park)