Prince reigns at Pompano

Sand Prince visited the winner’s circle for the fourth straight time on Monday after taking the $10,000 Open Handicap Trot at Pompano Park in a lifetime-best 1:55.2.

Driven from post six by Joe Pavia Jr., Sand Prince was allowed to settle in sixth place through the early stages of the Monday feature while race favorite Battleshoe Victor (Bruce Ranger), starting from post eight, took the field through an opening quarter mile in :27.4.

As the field trotted by the grandstand for the first time, Pavia tipped Sand Prince to the outside and quickly began passing horses until the gelding was within a length of Battleshoe Victor, who saw his lead continue to diminish as he moved by the half-mile pole in :58.

Sand Prince drew on even terms with Battleshoe Victor midway down the backstretch, and took control of the race when clearing that rival with a :28.2 third panel to reach the three-quarters marker in 1:26.2.

Entering the final turn, Sand Prince continued to trot away from his rivals, and the 5 year old entered the stretch with a four-length advantage. That margin would grow to six at the wire over Battleshoe Victor, who finished a distant second. Byzanz (Dein Spriggs) checked in third.

Owned by Albert Lispi of Wilkes Barre, Pa., Sand Prince has won five of 10 starts this year, including four consecutive victories at Pompano. The son of Mr. Vic, out of the Rule the Wind mare Ritzy Ritzy, is undefeated since being purchased from Don Brainard in late February and moving to the barn of trainer Gerry Nelson. (Pompano Park)

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