Therewasthisgirl Tops Plainridge Distaff Feature

Therewasthisgirl

After never being in contention from an impossible spot last week, Therewasthisgirl bounced back in a big way to win the $25,000 Winners-Over pacing feature for fillies and mares at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 10). 

Wahs Fire Bug N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was the first to lead the scratch-shortened field of five and got the girls to the quarter in a tailored swift :26.3. Therewasthisgirl (Nick Graffam) had a pocket journey lined up but was not content, and pulled in front of the stands to take command before the half. Therewasthisgirl hastened the group to three-quarters with a :27.3 backside sprint and had no serious threat looming from behind. When they reached the top of the stretch, Wahs Fire Bug N tipped to try and advance, but she drifted wide and did not gain ground so Therewasthisgirl cruised across the line on top by a length in 1:51.1.

Owned by the George Ducharme Stable and Heather Marshall, Therewasthisgirl ($9) picked up her third win in her last five starts and fifth win overall this year from 19 races. George Ducharme trains the winner. 

The $20,000 Winners-Over undercard pace went to Hilaria (Mike Stevenson), who upset the field with a first-over move at three-quarters that gave her a lead she would not relinquish en route to a 1:53.2 victory. Hilaria ($33.20) is owned and trained by Ralph Andersen. 

Drivers Matty Athearn and Heath Campbell each had two wins on Tuesday. Campbellā€™s charges were both trained by Valerie Grondin, who led all trainers during the proceedings. 

Live harness racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and there will be a $31,293 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race six.

(With files from Plainridge Park)

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