Making his first start in the U.S. for new connections after leaving Canadian soil, Price Control saw his earnings increase exponentially after winning the $23,611 featured pace at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon, Oct. 28.
Price Control, driven by Nick Graffam, tripped-out behind the front-running Andy Mac Hanover (Matty Athearn) through quarters of :27.2, :57 and 1:25.4 before tipping at the head of the stretch and out-pacing the leader to the wire by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.3. Hungryforvictory (James Hardy) was third.
Price Control ($7.80) is owned by Ray Lasky, his trainer Mitchell Cushing and Matthew Little. The sophomore gelded son of Control The Moment-Shadow World pushed his seasonal earnings to $55,674 with his third win from 20 starts.
The victory was one of two wins during the day for Nick Graffam.
In the $20,833 conditioned pace for five-year-olds and under, Sweet Street Lou (Kevin Switzer Jr.) followed JD Camden GB (Nick Graffam) to the half before taking the lead at three-quarters and stretching out to a 2-1/4-length lifetime best win of 1:52.4. Sweet Street Lou ($3.80) is owned by his trainer Dale Andersen, in partnership with Kristian Andersen.
Matty Athearn was the top reinsman on Monday, winning three races in the card. Todd O’Dea had a double-double, that being two wins as both a driver and trainer.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. and there will be a $14,257 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)