After missing a week due to illness, Howlenthehills bounced back and picked up right where he left off by continuing his win streak after he captured the $136,986 Paul Revere Pace at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (May 2).
Matt Kakaley sat outside from fifth off the gate with Howlenthehills as Cruzin America (Nick Graffam) and Crush Kill Destroy (Jason Bartlett) argued for the lead in :26.1. When Crush Kill Destroy finally crossed over to the front, Howlenthehills motored up and took control of the race in front of the stands. Kakaley sat chilly as Howlenthehills paced with authority on the lead heading to three-quarters as Cruzin America mounted a first-over bid and got to within a length of the leader heading into the last turn. But Howlenthehills swelled up in that bend and started to pull away from the field. When they straightened out for the payoff, Howlenthehills bolted away to a 4-1/2-length lead and crossed the line first in a new lifetime mark of 1:51.1.
The win was the third straight victory for Howlenthehills ($3.20), who remained undefeated in 2024 for his owner Symmetry Stables and trainer Travis Alexander.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday, May 6 with post time at 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)