Last and a dozen lengths back at the half, Montana Gb charged to a convincing victory in the featured $23,944 featured conditioned pace at Plainridge Park on Thursday, July 23.

The gelding, driven by Nick Graffam, got away eighth from post seven and trailed the field early as Sunsational (Bruce Ranger) had a three-length lead passing the quarter in :26.3. Sunsational then continued to pace on the point to the half in :54.1 and three-quarters in 1:22.3, with the pocket-sitting Lyons Honeymonster (Brad Irvine) and parked-out Makorori N (Shawn Gray) edging closer to the pacesetter at that third station. 

Montana Gb, whom Graffam had swung four-deep from third-over into the turn, kept motoring through that bend and found himself fourth at the top of the stretch. He maintained his momentum into the lane, rolling past Sunsational by 1-3/4 lengths for the 1:52.2 victory. Captain Rocknroll (Kevin Switzer Jr.) finished third.

Montana Gb took his fifth win this season in 17 outings for owners Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. The five-year-old Always B Miki-The Player Hanover gelding, trained by James Heap, is eight-for-33 lifetime. He paid $9.20 to win.

In the $21,127 conditioned pace for four-year-olds and younger, Houdini Hanover (Brad Irvine) made a first-over move from fourth at the half in chase of the front-stepping Colnago (Brett Beckwith), whom he reached level terms with at three-quarters and passed at the top of the lane. Once he took the lead, Houdini Hanover escaped from the field, pacing clear to the line by 2-1/2 lengths in 1:53.1 for his second lifetime win in 47 starts. Houdini Hanover ($8.40) is owned and trained by Laura Shock. 

Nick Graffam and Bruce Ranger both posted hat tricks in the bike while trainer Bill Krikorian led all conditioners on the 11-race Thursday card with two winners. 

Racing will resume at Plainridge on Monday, July 27 at 4 p.m.

(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)