Grossly overlooked at 26-1, Little Willy took advantage of fast early fractions to strike late in the $34,722 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon, Nov. 4.
There was a three-horse dash for the lead between Im Sir Blake A (Shawn Gray), Bonniprinclouis N (Nick Graffam) and Leonidas A (Bruce Ranger) that led to a :25.3 first quarter where the latter finally settled on the point. Leonidas A then got to the half in :54 where Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) started an outer flow and was followed by Little Willy and Mitchell Cushing heading up the backstretch.
Leonidas A and Fourever Boy continued to battle in 1:22 at three-quarters and then around the far turn to the top of the stretch. It was there that Little Willy went wide around both, and out-legged his rivals, including a fast-closing Naturally Gifted A (Matty Athearn), to win in 1:51.1 by a neck.
It was the second win in the last three starts and seventh win overall this year from 25 starts for Little Willy ($54.80), a six-year-old Up The Credit gelding who is owned and trained by Mark Beckwith.
The win was one of three during the afternoon card for Cushing.
Earlier in the $34,722 Massachusetts starter allowance, Major Betts and Drew Monti followed second-half cover to a victory in deep stretch. Rooster Bennett (Mitchell Cushing) cut the mile and got to the half in :55.4 before Mansome (Ron Cushing) went first-over in an outer flow that included Anvil Hands (Jimmy Hardy) and Major Betts. Mansome made his way to second at three-quarters but stalled, forcing Anvil Hands to go three-deep in the turn to pursue Rooster Bennett. When the field turned for home, Monti tipped Major Betts four-wide around Anvil Hands and out-brushed everyone to the wire to win 1:52.1. It was the seventh win of the year for Major Betts ($9.80), who is owned and trained by Kathleen Brewer.
Kate Gerow was the leading trainer on Monday after having two horses visit the winner's circle.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. and there will be a $2,102 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)