Win streak stops at 13

The 10-year-old veteran trotter Damon Runyon won in his seasonal debut on Monday and subsequently put an end to the 13-race winning streak of track record holder You’re Next when taking the fifth race $7,500 feature at Pompano Park.

After briefly yielding the early advantage to Absolute Resolve (Brett Miller), driver Mickey Mc Nichol quickly moved Damon Runyon from the pocket to take the lead coming out of the first turn while trotting the opening quarter mile in :28.4. You’re Next (Bruce Ranger), who was trotting in third place, made a break as the field passed the finish line the first time. The 5-year-old gelding was unable to get back on stride and promptly dropped from contention.

With the 6-5 favorite no longer a threat, Damon Runyon took the field through a modest second panel in :30 to pass the half-mile marker in :58.4. Damon Runyon continued to show the way through a three-quarters split in 1:28, and dug in late to hold his lead through the wire in 1:57.4.

Ashcos Scotty (David Ingraham), who endured a long first-over drive and nearly wore down Damon Runyon in the final yards, came up a neck shy at the wire. Class Action N (Rick Schaut), who followed the cover of Ashcos Scotty around the final turn, finished third.

Damon Runyon returned $10, $5, $6.60 for the victory. Ashcos Scotty paid $5.60, $4 for second, with Class Action N bringing in $5.40 for third.

Damon Runyon is a four-time starter in the Mack Lobell Trotting Series, winning the $60,000 Mack Lobell final in 2003. The 10-year-old son of Cumin is out of the Arndon mare Windschant, and is owned by Carol Karter of Lake Worth, Fla. The gelding is trained by Lawrence Nichols and has career earnings over $305,000. (Pompano Park)

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