Plainville, MA – The trotters took center stage at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon (October 17) and two native sons of Massachusetts represented the state well with their respective victories in the track races.
First up was the feature where Pepper Wow took full advantage of a covered trip to win the $25,000 Open Handicap.
Pepper Wow (Mitchell Cushing) came away fourth as Duke Lavictoire (Aaron Byron) marched to half in:56.1. It was there that an outside stream led by Marquis Lafayette (Bruce Ranger) was underway and had Pepper Wow on its back as they passed three-quarters in 1:24.3.
Duke Lavictoire folded on the turn and Marquis Lafayette was now on the verge. But Pepper Wow dropped his cover, headed straight for the leader and took control as they moved down the track. But he had to hold off powerful late bids from Memorynimagination (Matty Athearn) and Sforza (Nick Graffam) before he could claim his half-length win in 1:53.3, equaling his lifetime goal.
PEPPER WOW REPEAT
It was the fifth win of the year for Pepper Wow ($8.20), owned by Kathy Beaman, Earl Beaman and Ivan Davies, who also trains the winner.
Later in the top-level $22,500 conditioned trot, Bill Bauer (Nick Graffam) came away last as Ikon Vang DK (Brett Beckwith) teed off quarters of :27.4, :56 and 1:26.2. At three quarters, Bill Bauer was still sixth and third in the outer stream led by Murial (Bruce Ranger), who pushed Ikon Vang DK all the way down the stretch. As they straightened for home, Bill Bauer was in the middle of the race track, passing everyone and flying to the line first by a quarter length in 1:55.3.
Bill Bauer ($12.40) is owned by his trainer, Paul Kelley, in partnership with Leo Bauer.
Todd O’Dea and Bruce Ranger were the leading riders with two wins each, while 11 different trainers won one race each.
Live racing resumes Monday (Oct. 20) at 2 p.m. at Plainridge Park and includes the third leg of the $2.4 million (est.) Massachusetts Breeders Stakes. Seven fields of state-bred two-year-olds will then play their final game to reach the $1.2 million final to be held on Thursday (October 30).
Free full past performance programs and race replays for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be found at plainridgeparkcasino.com.
For full race results, click here: American trotting results.
Through Tim Boyarskifor Plainridge Park
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