Pompano Beach, FL…October 24, 2015…Lyons Johnny, the rugged seven year old owned by the Baron Racing Stable, goes for a harness racing three-peat at Pompano Park on Sunday night, tackling a million dollar field, more than half of which own sub-1:50 marks.
The seven year-old son of Mach Three, trained and driven by Mike Micallef, has shown tremendous courage in his two winning efforts in the top class since the meet opened.
Two starts back, Lyons Johnny went first up on Pompano’s backside and wore down a game Audrey’s Dream, with Ed Hensley in the bike, in the final stride to score in 1:51.
Last week, he was up to the task, as well, conquering his foes and a driving rain to, again, pin defeat on Audrey’s Dream and six others in 1:52.2.
This week, Lyons Johnny has to be up to an even tougher assignment as he has been assigned the outside eight post in the field with two new “paces in the crowd”—Alexa’s Jackpot and Panocchio.
Alexa’s Jackpot, from the Marty Fine Stable, is enjoying his finest campaign– $118,849 to date—and sports a mark of 1:49.3 up north in Philadelphia. Joe Pavia, Jr. is listed to drive Alexa’s Jackpot.
Panocchio is no stranger to Pompano Park as this five year-old son of No Pan Intended has stacked up 24 wins over the past two seasons to go along with a mark of 1:49.3 here at Pompano Park. Owned by Emile Johnson, Jr. along with trainer Jim Mattison, Dan Clements is expected to be in the sulky on Sunday night.
The explosive late charging Northern Companion, Whogoesfirst, Raji’s Blue Line and Sir Jake’s Z Tam complete the talented field.
Also, four finals of the F.S.B.O.A. sponsored Sunshine State Stakes will be contested with the headliner being the three year-old colt/gelding trot featuring the talented Prairie Fortune.
This sophomore son of Arapa Victory goes for the sweep, as he has captured the first three legs of the Stake—very handily—for trainer-driver Mike Deters, who also co-owns with Laurie Poulin.
Post time for the pari-mutuel card is 7:30 p.m. with three non-wagering Sunshine State Stakes Finals slated for a 6:00 post time.
The Sunday card also features a growing carryover in the Super Hi-5–$3,497— which is contested on the 12th race finale.
by John Berry for Pompano Park.