Inclement weather and eight fast foes were obstacles standing between Four Sixes and the finish line, but none could prevent him from claiming the victory in the featured $34,722 conditioned trot at Plainridge Park on Monday, May 5.
But Why (Brett Beckwith) and Four Sixes (Bruce Ranger) argued for the lead before Four Sixes forged ahead and crossed over, passing the :28 quarter. The field then splashed down the sloppy track to the half in :57.1, where Big Box Hanover (Matty Athearn) pulled first-over from fourth to try and challenge.
Big Box Hanover drew near Four Sixes on the backstretch while But Why continued to track from the pocket. The field bunched in the final turn and several horses were positioned to advance late. When the group entered the stretch, But Why left cover and tried to catch the leader heading for home. But Four Sixes turned him and all challengers away as he hung on to win by a quarter of a length in 1:55.3.
The four-year-old Four Sixes was sent off at 4-1 odds and scored his fourth win of the year in eight starts, returning $10. He is owned by William Hartt and Melissa Beckwith, who also trains the son of Six Pack-Highland Glider.
In a $22,222 conditioned pace, Negotiator (Mitchell Cushing) got away sixth as Skyway Masterpiece (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was in front at each quarter pole in :27.1, :55.1 and 1:24. But at that point, Negotiator was out with cover and only two lengths off at the top of the stretch. As the leader started to tire, Negotiator was just getting underway and paced down the center of the track to an easy 2-3/4 length win in 1:53.1, which was a seasonal mark.
Negotiator ($11) is owned by Ray Lasky and his driver, Cushing, who also trains the winner.
Nick Graffam led all drivers with three wins on Monday while conditioner Kate Gerow was the top trainer of the afternoon, sending a pair from her stable for pictures.
The Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the day's sixth race. The single unique combination of 4-3-6-8-2 returned an instant jackpot of $7,533.12 for the 20-cent wager.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, May 6, with first post at 4 p.m.
(With files from Plainridge Park)