Although he just won in this class last week, being handicapped with post eight dissuaded the bettors away from Big Box Hanover, who was sent off at 24-1 on Friday, Oct. 4 at Plainridge Park. But the post didn’t bother Big Box Hanover one bit as he easily scored his second straight win in the $33,784 Open Handicap Pace at The Ridge.  

Steve Wilson left with Big Box Hanover and dropped in second behind Sidd Finch (Drew Campbell), who tripped the timer in :26.4 at the quarter. Just past that station, Delayed Hanover (Bruce Ranger) tipped out from third and took the lead before the :55.4 half. The field then motored up the backstretch where Wilson pulled the right line on Big Box Hanover and the pair drew alongside Delayed Hanover in the final turn. When they straightened for home, Big Box Hanover was trotting up a storm and beat the late-closing Sea Can (Nick Graffam) to the line by two lengths in 1:53.2, just missing his lifetime mark by one-fifth of a second.

Big Box Hanover returned $50.40 to his backers for a $2 win ticket. The seven-year-old Uncle Peter gelding has won three of his last four races and now sports a seasonal record reading 7-7-3 from 31 starts for owner and trainer Larry Stalbaum. Big Box Hanover hit a career milestone as he recorded his 50th victory.

The win was one of two on the card for Wilson. Bruce Ranger had a grand slam in the bike to lead all drivers for wins on Friday.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. and there will be a $6,080 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six. Also, Monday will feature Grand Circuit racing action with the $53,100 USD Colonial Oaks Trot and three divisions of the Wm. Reynolds Memorial Pace going for a total purse of $161,900 USD.

(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)