Slick-gaited side-wheelers headlined the card at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (April 13) and the top pair of contests were won by the mother-son tandem of trainer Melissa Beckwith and driver Brett Beckwith.
In the $24,000 Open II Pace, Always A Miki took every bit of the :26.3 first quarter to claim the lead on the outside before crossing over to settle on the pylons. The pace remained stiff with a :27.4 second panel when Beckwith came first over with Jimmy Connor B and locked up with Always A Miki at three-quarters. The pair paced away from the field in the far turn and matched strides into the stretch and all the way to the wire. Despite a stellar effort from Always A Miki, Jimmy Connor B did the better work this day and won by one length in 1:50.1.
Jimmy Connor B is owned by Triple D Stables, M G Stables, Toby Rekoon and Frank Canzone. He paid $2.40 to win.
Then in the $20,000 upper-level conditioned event, Beckwith took the lead with Little Willy in a parked and contested :26.1 quarter and then led the field from there. After backing off the half to :55.4, Kokanee Seelster pushed the issue with a :27.4 third quarter and continued his pursuit into the last turn. It was there that Ima Happy Fella GB tipped out from mid-pack, went by Kokanee Seelster and drew even with Little Willy at the top of the stretch. The two battled stride for stride to the wire, but Little Willy hung on by a neck for the win and a lifetime mark of 1:51.2.
Little Willy is owned by Melissa Beckwith. He paid $7 to win.
Brett Beckwith ended the day with a hat trick in the bike while trainer Melissa Beckwith tied with Mark Eaton for top training honours with two wins on the day.
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday (April 17) at 4 p.m. (EDT).
(Plainridge Park)