Last week from post seven, Major Leaguer did not get involved in the early pace and finished where he started as a result. This week he was back on the point and circled the field at 17-1 in the $17,500 winners over pace Thursday at Plainridge Park.
Nick Graffam sent Major Leaguer to the front ahead of Tisadream N (Drew Monti) and got to the quarter in :26.1. Moving on the outside second at that point was Sgt Papa Daddy (John MacDonald) and Hudson Phil (Jay Randall) who were both in the wind around the second turn and up the backstretch.
Hudson Phil tipped three-deep around a fading Sgt Papa Daddy and brought Rock Diamonds N (Ron Cushing) with him. Major Leaguer and Hudson Phil were fully engaged around the last turn when Rock Diamonds N joined the fray in the stretch. The three paced in close quarters to the wire but Major Leaguer was not to be denied and hung on by three-quarters of a length for the win in 1:50.3.
It was the seventh score of the year for Major Leaguer ($37.60) who is owned by Jimmy Whittemore. Marissa Chabourne is the trainer.
Graffam also drove the winner of the $15,000 undercard conditioned pace for five-year-olds and under, Benny Is A Jet, who became the winningest horse at Plainridge Park this year after scoring his sixth win of the meet.
Benny Is A Jet got away fifth behind the leading Sea Isle City (Shawn Gray) and pulled second over behind Jackie Gheeson (Bruce Ranger) at the half. These two cleared and were one-two at the three-quarters, but Benny Is A Jet said goodnight to Jackie Gheeson and then held off the fast-closing Tucker Creek (Drew Monti) to win in 1:52 to claim his fifth straight race.
Benny Is A Jet ($6.00) is owned by Braford Veilleux and Anthony Loiko and is trained by James Dunn.
Nick Graffam ended up with three wins on the card to lead all drivers on Thursday. Amanda Kelly was the 10/22 leading trainer sending two for pictures herself.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday with post time at 2 p.m.
Just a reminder, the $720,000 (est.) Massachusetts Sire Stake finals will be held at Plainridge on Monday (Oct. 26) with post time at 2 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)