Trainer Duane Marfisi proved he’s capable of having one ready right off the bench when he captured Monday’s
$18,400 Preferred Pace with Just Plug It In.
The five-year-old son of Artsplace, who last raced in a pari-mutuel event at Georgian Downs on November 25, 2008, front-stepped his way to a 1:55.3 score in tonight’s return race for Ontario partners Alan Alber, Aaron Waxman and PSHL Stable.
Doug McNair pointed Just Plug It In through fractions of :27.2, :57.2 and 1:26.1 before scooting home in :29.2 to eke out the nose decision over Pacific Oak in a time of 1:55.3. Tipper Too was a lapped-on third in the eight-horse affair.
It was the 12th lifetime victory for Just Plug It In, who is quickly closing in on $200,000 in career earnings.
McNair, who had a three-win day at the office, also piloted Risky Rich to a 1:56.3 victory in the $12,800 Preferred-2 Pace. It was the second consecutive victory for the Kris Di Cenzo trainee.
The five-year-old son of Camluck sped the field through splits of :27.2, :56.1 and 1:25 before out-staggering his foes to the finish line in 1:56.3. Heavily favoured Grand Bend Turbo, who went by way of Chicago, was a dead-game runner-up while Native Roots finished third.
Di Cenzo shares ownership on the gelding, who has banked in excess of $111,000 in his career, with partner John Baldasty of Oakville, ON.
To view Monday’s results, click here.