Taking full advantage of a class drop, Cougar On A Terr went from worst to first in the final two furlongs to capture the $24,306 featured conditioned pace at Plainridge Park on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 27.

Cougar On A Terr and driver Matty Athearn got away sixth as Wolverina (Nick Graffam) and Betterthanhope N (Mitchell Cushing) battled for the lead. When the latter took control, the action kept coming as Booraa N (Ron Cushing) moved into contention fourth on the outside and made her way to second at three-quarters. At this point, Cougar On A Terr was still sixth, but third-over in the breeze, and Athearn tipped the mare three-deep and into contention at the top of the stretch. Betterthanhope N was still in front, with Wolverina and Booraa N only a half length behind. But it was Cougar On A Terr who circled the wagons – and the field – to win going away by 1-1/2 lengths in 1:54.3. Wolverina was second with Booraa N third.

The win was the sixth of the year from 32 starts for Cougar On A Terr (Cougar Hall - Toxic Terror), who is owned by Catherine Dickson and trained by Gretchen Athearn. He paid $11.60 to win.

The victory was also one of two wins for Athearn on Wednesday.

Bruce Ranger was the leading driver for the afternoon after winning a total of three races, while eight different trainers won one race apiece. 

There is no racing on Thursday, Nov. 28 in observance of the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday, Nov. 29 at 1 p.m. and there will be a $8,874 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race nine. Friday is the final day of racing for the 2024 meet. 

(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)