Since returning to Plainridge Park after a stint at Yonkers Raceway, Nows The Moment has been third and second in the track's top trot. On Friday the six-year-old son of Credit Winner returned to the winner's circle off a very strong showing in the day's feature race.
Leaving widest in a three-horse charge off the gate, Nows The Moment (Mike Stevenson) took on the lead at the quarter in a brisk :26.1. But before he could settle in, Joey Bats (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) pulled from second in front of the stands to take control by the half in :55.
As the race progressed to three-quarters, Knight Angel (Nick Graffam) pulled from mid-pack and trotted up the rim and got close to Joey Bats before the turn. But close was the best he could do as the leader stayed on task to the top of the stretch. That's where Nows The Moment tipped from the pocket, responded to Stevenson's urging and trotted right on by Joey Bats to win by a length in 1:53.4.
It was the 24th lifetime win in only 90 career starts for Nows The Moment ($4.00) and it pushed his bankroll to $376,672 for owner Sonya Mac Donald. Alex Mac Donald trains the winner.
In the secondary featured $15,000 condition trot, Chav Hanover (Bruce Ranger) was out and rolling from fourth as the race approached the half and drew alongside the front running Explosive Ridge (Matty Athearn) on the back straight. The two horses matched strides around the last bend before Chav Hanover pulled away at the top of the stretch and rolled to the wire to win handily by 2-1/2 lengths in a season's best 1:55.3.
Chav Hanover ($5.00) is owned by Diane Whittemore and is trained by Dennis Whittemore.
Bruce Ranger led all drivers on Friday capturing three wins while Dennis Whittemore was the top trainer scoring two consecutive wins in the last two races, accounting for the late double ($30.20). Both of those horses were driven by Ranger.
Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (June 21) with post time set for 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)