Odds-on favourite Heinikin Bythebay delivered on his pari-mutuel promise, winning the $34,722 Open Handicap Pace at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon, Nov. 11.
Im Sir Blake (Shawn Gray) was the early leader, getting to the quarter in :27.1, but Kevin Switzer Jr. was out and rolling with Heinikin Bythebay and took control of the race before the :56 half. Heinikin Bythebay paced smartly up the backside where Lifes A Puzzle (Drew Monti) paced into second in the outside and started pushing the issue. After they made their way around the last turn and three-quarters went in 1:23.2, Lifes A Puzzle had his sights on Heinikin Bythebay and was making up ground as they neared the wire. But Heinikin Bythebay hung on in a photo finish by a quarter of a length and won in 1:51.1. Alex Having Fun (Drew Campbell) rounded out the top three, finishing 4-3/4 lengths behind.
Heinikin Bythebay, who is owned by breeder KDK Standardbreds and trained by Kevin Switzer, earned his ninth win of the year from 32 starts. The five-year-old Southwind Lynx-Sally Pansen gelding paid $2.60 to win.
Earlier in a $34,722 Massachusetts starter allowance, even-money favourite ER Griffin (Brett Beckwith) seated Anvil Hands (Jimmy Hardy) at the :27 quarter and then went to the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23 as Rooster Bennett (Mitchell Cushing) was pressing on the outside. After they made their way around the last turn, all three chasers tried to make up ground, but ER Griffin was the strongest today and hung on by a head in 1:51.4 over a late-closing Mansome (Ron Cushing). Anvil Hands edged out Rooster Bennett for the show dough.
ER Griffin, a four-year-old Riggins-Susie Girl gelding, is owned by his trainer, Mike Eaton, in partnership with Bob McHugh, Robert Griffin and Russell Young. ER Griffin was one of three driving wins for Beckwith during the afternoon.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. and there will be a $1,940 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)