Two fast fillies bred in Massachusetts that competed in both the Massachusetts and New York Sire Stake programs at two, each put in career performances in a pair of $12,500 condition races on Thursday at Plainridge Park as they tuned up for their respective three-year-old campaigns. Both are from the stable of Sheena McElhiney and were driven by Shawn Gray.
After finishing third in her first NYSS start at Saratoga Raceway this year, Rightfully Mine got back to her winning ways at The Ridge.
Rightfully Mine followed outside cover off the gate and took the lead as the race headed past the stands for the first time. From there the daughter of American Ideal maintained a 1-1/4 length lead up the backstretch and around the last turn. Coming down the lane, Kitty Hoyne (Nick Graffam) vacated her pocket position to take a shot at the leader. But Rightfully Mine was on cruise and finished strong; winning by a length in a lifetime best 1:52.2.
Rightfully Mine ($2.40) made both the NYSS and MASS finals in 2020 and carded $108,812 in the process. This was her third win in only four starts this year for owner Anthony Scussel and Monique Cohen.
Another third place finish in the NYSS Excel division was captured by Seafood Sweetheart in her last start at Saratoga and she also came to play hardball at Plainridge Thursday.
Gray shot right to the front with Seafood Sweetheart and had the race completely under control. After a mild saunter of :57.2 to the half, Gray hit the gas and posted :28 and :28.2 back quarters and put away any challengers as he pulled away to a gaudy 5-1/4 length romp in 1:53.4, equalling her lifetime mark.
Seafood Sweetheart ($2.80) who made the NYSS Excel and MASS finals last year scored her second win in three tries this year for owner the Seafood Delight Stable.
Kevin Switzer, Jr. was the leading driver on Thursday, scoring a hat trick during the proceedings.
When live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday (June 14) there will be a $21,965.47 carry over in the sixth race Wicked Hi-5 Pentafecta. Post time for the first race is 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)