The top mares class at Plainridge Park has been extremely tough this year, so to dominate that group is quite an accomplishment. That is what Probert has recently done after scoring her third straight win in the $25,000 distaff Winners-Over Handicap Pace on Thursday afternoon (July 20). 

Driver Brett Beckwith got away last with Probert, who was assigned post eight. On the other end of the line, Westbeach (Bruce Ranger) was burning up the track on the point with fractions of :25.4 and :54.3 to the half. An outer flow formed with Booraa N (Ron Cushing), Dandys Evrlasting (Matty Athearn) and Probert marching in that order on the rim. At the five-eighths, Booraa N faltered, forcing Dandys Evrlasting and Probert to roll three-deep heading to three-quarters. Westbeach maintained control to the top of the stretch where Dandys Evrlasting and Probert fanned three-wide for the drive. The three mares matched strides to the wire where Probert got the advantage and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.1.

It was the fifth overall win this year for Probert ($7.20), who is owned by Howard Jacobs, Jim Winske and Marcus Kemblowski. Melissa Beckwith trains the winner. 

There was also a $25,000 District 9 Pace for New England-owned mares on the card where Caviart Cherie put in the best race of her year. 

Caviart Cherie was pushed off the gate by Drew Campbell, who took the front and never relinquished the position. Hitting the marks at :27, :56.2 and 1:23.3 without a legitimate threat from behind, Caviart Cherie rounded the last bend and turned for home, keeping the tripped-out Miss Trickster (Nick Graffam) 1-1/4 lengths behind her as she hit the line in 1:51.4 to take a new seasonal mark. 

Caviart Cherie ($9.80) also notched her fifth win of the year for owners Mike Eaton, Bob McHugh, Robert Griffin and Russell Young. Mike Eaton also does the training. 

Drivers Heath Campbell and Mitchell Cushing both had two wins while trainer Valerie Grondin did the same. 

The Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in race six and an instant jackpot was paid out. The combination of 4-2-7-1-5 returned $14,519.56 for a 20-cent wager. 

Plainridge Park will host the Grand Circuit on Sunday (July 23) when the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace will be held. Post time for that feature packed card of racing is set for 2 p.m. 

Gates for Spirit of Massachusetts Day open at 1 p.m. and the afternoon will feature an array of activities.

Owners, trainers and their connections of horses racing in the stakes will be treated to a welcome luncheon in the Boylston Room, which is upstairs in the grandstand.

Todd Angilly of the Boston Bruins will be singing our national anthem before the first race and will also be performing at other times during the day along with the Berkshire Valley Boys, who will be providing entertainment throughout the day between races.

Guests will be able to get a free Plainridge Park commemorative 25th anniversary hat compliments of Plainridge Park Casino and the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England, and B101-FM Providence will be on the property giving fans a chance to win racing binoculars compliments of Plainridge Park Casino and B101-FM.

The Home Stretch food truck will be available near The Patio and a bar will be open at The Hut outside of the grandstand.

(Plainridge Park)