Star Role wins Ppk Open

Star Role and driver Wally Hennessey gutted out a first-over trip to prevail in 1:53.2 in the third race feature event at Pompano Park Saturday, a $10,000 Open Pace.

Driven alertly from the gate, Welu’s Dreamboat made the lead in the eight-horse affair and took the field through opening fractions of 27.2 and :56.3. Doctor Viagra ettled behind the leader in second place while Star Role was content to track that pair from third.
As the field passed the three-quarter mile marker in 1:24.4, Hennessey angled Star Role off the pylons first-over, leaving Doctor Viagra stuck behind a weakening Welu’s Dreamboat. Star Role pushed his way to the front, but the gelding still had a fight on his hands as Doctor Viagra found a clear path late and made a strong charge at the leader.

With his lead rapidly diminishing, Star Role was able to dig in late, prevailing by a nose at the wire and stopping the clock in 1:53.2. Murcielago (Brett Miller), coupled in the wagering with Star Role, finished third, a half-length behind the winner. Hot Rum, the post-time favorite, crossed the wire fifth.

An 8-year-old son of Magical Mike, out of the Abercrombie mare, In Fashion, Star Role is owned by Michael Polansky of Loudenville, New York and trained by Pompano Park’s second leading conditioner, Tom Harmer.

A multiple stakes winner in 2001 and 2002, Saturday’s victory boosted Star Role’s career earnings to $549,204. It was his 18 th career trip to the Pompano Park winner’s circle.

The fastest mile of the night came one race later in the fourth event when Hesadoozy covered a mile in 1:52.2 for driver Kevin Wallis, trainer Gerald Greer, and the Pilgrim Stable of Pompano Beach.

(Pompano)

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