After stepping up to the top class at Plainridge Park last week and running into a 1:49.4 buzzsaw mile turned in by Rocknroll Runa A, Alta Classic A took a step back to the $22,500 upper-level conditioned pace and then strode forward to his third North American win at The Ridge on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 2).
Alta Classic A (Ron Cushing) drew post eight and got away fifth as Rooster Bennett (Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Bag Pipe Major (Nick Graffam) took turns on the point at the quarter and the half, respectively. Cushing pulled Alta Classic A first-over in turn two and advanced to the lead in the breeze by the three-quarter mark. But there was another battle ahead for him against Greatest Ending (Brett Beckwith), who had followed Alta Classic A on the outside and was only one-half length behind him at the top of the stretch. When the field straightened for home, Greatest Ending got close but was not going to catch Alta Classic A, who won under a line drive in 1:51.4.
Alta Classic A ($12.20) is owned by his driver Cushing, in partnership with Kevin Sywyck. Heidi Cushing trains the winner.
The top District 9 race – for 100 per cent New England-owned horses – was a $25,000 event that was won by the venerable Quick Shot (Bruce Ranger), who sat third and watched as Spatterdash (Mike Stevenson) was hounded by the parked Miki U So Fine (Mitchell Cushing) through quarters of :27.2, :55.2 and 1:24.2. When the race hit the lane, Ranger found room at the pegs, gave Quick Shot his head and got him home on top by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.1.
It was the 54th career win for Quick Shot ($25.80), who has now earned $118,725 this year and $737,404 lifetime. He is owned and trained by Kathleen Brewer.
Bruce Ranger was the leading driver on Thursday, winning a total of three races.
Live harness racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Friday, Nov. 3 with post time at 1 p.m.
(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)