Larry Stalbaum, wearing the hats of owner, trainer and driver, won both featured paces at Plainridge Park on Monday, May 6 in convincing gate-to-wire fashion. 

In the $31,507 Open Handicap, Stalbaum pushed Rocknroll Runa A off the gate from post eight to the front in a quick :26.1 quarter. With Moonshine Kisses (Drew Campbell) tracking intently from the pocket after also leaving from post seven, Rocknroll Runa A hit the half in a modest :55 before pushing down the pedal in a scorching :26.3 third panel. With the race really down to just the top two horses, Rocknroll Runa A rounded the turn before Moonshine Kisses popped the deuce at the top of the stretch and took his best shot. Although he was able to make up one length heading for home, Moonshine Kisses was not able to catch the fleet-footed Rocknroll Runa A, who closed out the mile in front by one length in 1:50 flat. The time was a new seasonal mark for Rocknroll Runa A, who paid $4.40 to win.

Then in the $23,288 conditioned undercard pace, Stalbaum enjoyed pylon position with American Zest A, who easily grabbed control of the race and led by two lengths through fractions of :27.1, :55.3 and 1:23.1. After making his way to the top of the stretch, American Zest A paced home well within himself to a 1-1/2-length victory in 1:52.1, which was also a new seasonal mark. Overlooked by the punters, American Zest A returned $22 to win.

There was a big payout in the day’s ninth race when Beyond The Past (Kevin Switzer Jr.) upset at 30-1 and returned $63.60 for the win. That mutuel also triggered a 2-6 exacta payout of $782.80 and 2-6-1 trifecta that returned $3,268.60, both for a $2 wager. 

Drivers joining Stalbaum in the Monday “Two Win” club included Nick Graffam, Shawn Gray, Bruce Ranger and Kevin Switzer Jr. Stalbaum stood alone as the only multi-win trainer on the card.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, May 7 with post time at 4 p.m. and the card will feature a $1,493 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 in race six.

(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)