Wet weather and chilly temperatures failed to dampen the spirit of the fans who came out to watch the first harness racing action of 2019 at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (April 8), and the equally enthusiastic horsemen put on a very competitive show with several blanket finishes at the wire.
One of those close finishes was in the afternoon’s feature race where Dapper Dude swelled up in deep stretch to hold of two late closers to win the $15,000 Open Handicap pace.
Dapper Dude (Bruce Aldrich, Jr.) floated outside from sixth before seating third while the heavy 1-5 favourite Hudson Phil (Jay Randall) controlled the front in :26.3. The field remained in single file past the half before Dapper Dude came first-up heading up the backside.
Dapper Dude drew even with Hudson Phil at the three-quarters and the two engaged in a stride-for-stride battle around the final turn. When the pair hit the top of the stretch, Dapper Dude got the advantage and Hudson Phil began to fade. But My Mind Is Made Up (Shawn Gray) was closing fast from mid-pack and Givenupdreaming (Greg Merton) was flying on the outside from last. As they hit the wire a mere neck separated the three horses but Dapper Dude was game and hung on for the win in 1:53.1.
It was the sixth win of the year for Dapper Dude ($7.20) who was privately purchased by the Micki Rae Stable of Sudbury, Massachusetts on January 25, 2019. He has been racing at the Meadows ever since and in his nine starts after that purchase, Dapper Dude won six races and finished second three times. On the strength of his 53rd lifetime win at Plainridge today he now has $69,400 in earnings this year. Sheena Mcelhiney trains the winner.
In the $14,000 secondary featured pacing event, When You Dance (Steevin Genois) shipped in from Yonkers Raceway and claimed his first victory of the year after going gate to wire in strong fashion, winning by over six lengths in 1:54.2. When You Dance ($3.60) is a four-year-old son of Mach Three-Armbro Dancer and is owned by Brian Carsey, Adam Friedland and John McGill. Eve Bergeron does the conditioning.
Mitchell Cushing led all drivers for wins after scoring the natural hat trick in races seven through nine with Flash Lauxmont (1:55.4, $16.00), JK Will Power (1:54.3, $8.00) and Archetto Hanover (1:55.4, $7.20).
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday with post time set at 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)