After just missing in her two most recent attempts, Seaside Tina finally cracked the code and prevailed in the $34,722 Fillies & Mares Open Handicap Pace on Friday, Nov. 8 at Plainridge Park.
It was a four-horse dash for the lead off the gate that saw Seaside Tina and driver Kevin Switzer Jr. take control at the :26.1 quarter. As the race proceeded to the half in :54.2, Swedish Starlet N (Matty Athearn) was first to pull and made her way to second at three-quarters. There, the top two ladies were joined by Side Piece (Brett Beckwith), who brushed three-wide and was just about even with the leaders. From the top of the turn to the top of the stretch, Seaside Tina, Swedish Starlet N and Side Piece paced three abreast and in unison and when they straightened for home, Jenden Strike A (Ron Cushing) joined the fray at the pegs to make it a quartet. With four mares all having a shot to win near the wire, Seaside Tina nosed out Swedish Starlet N at the line in 1:52.1 with Side Piece and Jenden Strike A only a neck behind.
Seaside Tina ($6.80) is owned by her trainer Mark Eaton, in partnership with Robert Griffin. Her driver, Kevin Switzer Jr., is the fourth winningest driver at the current Plainridge Park meet and on Friday he added to his numbers in a big way by scoring a natural grand slam in races four through seven, giving him victories in four of the eight races on the card.
Switzer completed his four-bagger with Ideal Skies (1:56, $14), Lunar Credit (1:58.3, $5.60) and Wildcat Antonia (1:54.4, $37.80).
Earlier in the $27,778 mid-level distaff conditioned event, Maggie At Bat (Matty Athearn) struck the lead, marched off quarters of :28, :58 and 1:26.1 before turning for home with a three-length advantage and crossing the line in 1:55.1.
Maggie At Bat ($4.40) is owned by Joe Hayes Jr. and trained by Jimmy Nickerson.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. and there will be an $1,506 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(with files from the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)