Although she missed two consecutive starts coming into today's race, Firstup took the uncovered overland route to victory in the $25,000 fillies and mares Winners-Over pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon.
Sarahs Lilly (Jay Randall) out-tussled That's Incredible (Drew Monti) for the lead in a swift :26.4 quarter before backing off the half to :56. At this point Shawn Gray was already out and rolling with Firstup and methodically made his way towards the leader. As they headed into the last turn, Firstup and Sarahs Lilly were pacing even while That's Incredible and Team Kiwi N (Nick Graffam) stalked closely behind. At the top of the stretch, Firstup grabbed the lead and held a slim margin all the way to the wire and won by a neck in 1:53.3.
Firstup ($14.60) crossed the century mark in earnings this year, now showing $103,229 on the card for owner Jesmeral Stable. Sheena Cohen trains the winner.
Firstup was Shawn Gray's second win on the card as he won the race prior to the feature with Althea (1:53, $2.60).
In the $17,500 undercard pace, Miki U So Fine (Bruce Ranger) took an early lead and dictated every step of the mile before fending off Whata Foolbelieves (Matty Athearn) and Star Island (Drew Campbell) in deep stretch to win in 1:52.1.
The three-year-old Miki U So Fine ($5.60) now has $76,086 on his card this year for owner Domenic Longobardi. Nancy Longobardi trains the winner.
Nancy Longobardi got an instant training double after she won the following race with Finnbar (1:53.1, $5.20). Finnbar was driven by Jay Randall, who also had two wins at the conclusion of the proceedings.
The large Wicked Hi-5 carryover pool is no more as one lucky bettor purchased a unique winning ticket on the combination of 8-4-6-9-2 and collected $17,666 for their 20-cent wager.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Sunday (Nov. 7) with post time at 1 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)