Justa Little Bit A and driver Matty Athearn were victorious in Plainridge Park's featured $27,397 Baystate Special Handicap Pace on Friday, May 22.

Justa Little Bit A got away fifth as Hes Coming On (Mitchell Cushing) and ER Griffin (Nick Graffam) traded leads to the half in :54.4. Once on the point, ER Griffin received a strong challenge from Gandolf The Black (Jay Randall), who moved first-over and drew alongside the leader passing three-quarters in 1:22.4, while providing cover for Anvil Hands (Jim Hardy) and Justa Little Bit A, who was starting to make up ground.

As the field rounded the final bend, ER Griffin held onto a tenuous lead while Gandolf The Black faded and Anvil Hands was nipping at his heels. When the group turned into the stretch for the final furlong, Athearn tipped Justa Little Bit A off cover, had a clear path to the center of the track and let the horse do the rest. Justa Little Bit A swelled up and paced away to a one-length win in 1:51.4, tying his seasonal mark. Anvil Hands finished second and Hes Coming On took third.

Trained and owned by Gretchen Athearn, Justa Little Bit A is now two-for-six this year and returned $13.40 to win as the 5-1 fourth choice on the tote board. The nine-year-old Cammibest-Inthemidnighthour gelding earned his 25th career victory.

Matty Athearn, Plainridge Park’s leading driver, won four of the eight races on the Friday card, including a natural hat trick in races five, six and the featured seventh race.

Racing resumes at Plainridge on Monday, May 25 at 4 p.m. and there will be a $19,165 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the sixth race.

(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)