Although having a very solid body of work this year, Quick Shot has been lightly regarded at the windows of late. Well those who kept the faith were rewarded on Monday as the big gun fired and won the $14,000 Open Handicap pace at Plainridge Park.
With four horses leaving hard off the gate, Quick Shot (Eddie Davis, Jr.) was taken back to fifth and safely tucked to the wood where he observed the proceedings for most of the mile. He watched Hes Marvelous (Nick Graffam) scorch the stonedust on the point while setting fractional times of :25.4, :53.4 and 1:21.2, pacing loosely on the lead.
As the race approached that third panel, the heavily favoured Givenupdreaming (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) had pulled from fourth, first over and Quick Shot snuck out right behind him and gained a perfect striking position. When the field came off the last turn, Quick Shot tipped three-high around Givenupdreaming and overtook the tiring Hes Marvelous for the lead. While a highly animated Davis was bouncing in the bike like he was sitting on a spring, Quick Shot was responding to the rhythm and paced away from his foes to win by a length in 1:51.2.
It was the third win in 19 starts this season for Quick Shot ($48.80) and it fattened his wallet to $43,833 for the year. The five-year-old gelded son of Art Major is owned By Kathleen Brewer and is trained by Arthur Brewer II.
In the $12,000 co-feature for conditioned pacers, American Rock (Jim Hardy) took advantage of a perfect two-hole trip behind Madiba Magic (Greg Merton) before shaking cover at the top of the lane to score a one-length victory in 1:52.1.
It was the third win of the year for American Rock ($8.20) but first since coming to Plainridge. The winner is owned by Stephen Zajchowski, Jr., David Thibault , Christine Thibault and Jim Hardy, who also trains him.
Kevin Switzer, Jr. and Greg Merton each doubled-up in the win column as did trainer Jackie Greene.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)