Chris and Sophia Valkanoff's McGreat, knocking on victory's door the past two weeks, finally made it through on Saturday night in Pompano Park's Winner's Over pacing feature.
The six-year-old son of McArdle, trained by Luanna Beeson, was given a splendid drive by Kevin Wallis to report home a handy winner in 1:52 over Hyperion Hanover (Andy Santeramo) and Kommander Hawk (Stephane Lareau). Avantage and Ricks Sign picked up the final two awards in the field of eight.
At the outset, Kommander Hawk (post five) and Hyperion Hanover (post eight) had the best early foot. Avantage was also in the mix early with McGreat, who wended his way into fourth around the first turn...but not for long.
After Hyperion Hanover won the battle to the :27 opening panel, McGreat was already on the move and took command with ferocity shortly thereafter and opened up a three-length lead half-way through the mile in :55.
No challenger got within a length and a half from that point forward as McGreat clocked three-quarters in 1:23.2 and then used a :28.3 closer to seal the deal for his fourth win of the year in 20 starts, sending his yearly bounty to $31,665.
As the even money toteboard favourite, McGreat paid $4 to win.
In other action, Allamerican Major, also handled by Wallis, survived what appeared to be suicidal fractions of :25.4 and :54.1 and a final turn threat from Hillybilly (Bruce Ranger) to score in 1:51.4 for his fourth straight win.
Trained by Shawn Glassmeyer for owner Ingrid Glassmeyer, the eight-year-old son of Artsplace won for the 25th time in his career sending his lifetime earnings to $357,597 to go along with his 1:49.1 mark accomplished as a three year-old.
Finally, Wallis was in the winner's circle once more to open the program with the three-year-old colt Points West, scoring in a lifetime-best 1:54 for owner Bryan Lawrence and trainer Clarence Patterson. Mach It Paiden (Ingraham) was second with Wingull (Sells) third.
One other note from that event was the first pari-mutuel appearance of the two year-old Doo Wop Hanover, handled by Bruce Ranger for trainer Peter Blood. This son of Rocknroll Hanover paced the fastest final panel of his group (:28.3) to finish fourth with his mile a shade under 1:55.
(Pompano Park)