Anvil Hands started slowly but delivered a powerful late rally to capture the $22,222 featured pace at Plainridge Park on Monday, May 12.

Driven by Jim Hardy, Anvil Hands got away sixth as Gandolf The Black (Drew Monti) took control by the quarter and led the field to the half in :56.2. An outer flow formed at that point, led by Vel Letsroll South (Drew Campbell), with Anvil Hands third-over in the developing train. The positions remained unchanged until the final turn, when Anvil Hands (pictured above) tipped four-wide into the stretch. Unleashing a strong closing kick, he surged down the lane and nailed Vel Letsroll South at the wire by a nose in 1:52.4.

The second consecutive win was also a seasonal best time for Anvil Hands ($6.80). Jolene Andrews trains and co-owns with David Thibault, Christine Thibault, Jim Hardy. 

Earlier on the card, Odds On Lauderdale delivered a gutsy performance in a $19,444 conditioned event. With Shawn Gray in the bike, the gelding pulled first-over from third approaching the half, cleared by the five-eighths, and then engaged in a prolonged battle with Hypnoticdream (Drew Campbell) through the stretch. Odds On Lauderdale dug in gamely to prevail by less than a length in a season’s best 1:52.2.

Owned and trained by Mike Eaton, Odds On Lauderdale paid $10.80 to win.

Drivers Nick Graffam and Shawn Gray led the Monday program with two wins apiece, while 11 different trainers each sent out a winner.

Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, May 13, with a first post at 4 p.m. There will be a $3,718 carryover in the sixth race Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta.

(With files from Plainridge Park)