I Can Only Imagine sets fastest mile of the season at Pompano

Michael Polansky’s I Can Only Imagine ($5.00) sizzled to a 1:50.2 triumph Saturday at the Isle Pompano Park in capturing the $16,000 Open Pace. It was the fastest mile this season at the track.

Driven by Bruce Ranger, I Can Only Imagine shot to the early lead in the third race feature, leading at the opening quarter mile in :27. But Mahdi and trainer/driver Joe Pavia, Jr., who made a break before the start of the race, was back in high gear and on the move and they took the lead away from I Can Only Imagine by the half mile marker in :54.3.

The action on the front end only heated up from that point as they raced down the backstretch as Ranger pulled from the pocket trip before the three-quarter pole in 1:21.4 and sent I Can Only Imagine back after Mahdi.

Around the final turn, Mahdi began to fade as I Can Only Imagine took firm control of the race and held the field at bay, using a :28.1 final quarter mile to win by two and one-half lengths over JJ’s Gazette (Dan Clements) and Armbro Dynamic (Wally Hennessey).

It was the tenth win this year for I Can Only Imagine. Tom Harmer trains the six-year-old stallion by Cole Muffler. (Pompano)

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