It was deja vu all over again for Con Air Hall who, for the second week in a row, came from off the pace over a sloppy track to score another win in the $10,000 conditioned trotting feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon.
Con Air Hall (Mitchell Cushing) got away third while Count On Rosey (Mike Stevenson) and HS Marcia (Drew Campbell) settled in first and second on the point. But as the race passed the quarter, Cushing pulled out and took the lead from them in front of the stands. With no rest for the weary, Pembroke Mystery (Heath Campbell) came right at Con Air Hall at the half and pushed the issue all the way to the three quarter pole.
As soon as the third split went by, Pembroke Mystery hit the wall and Con Air Hall started to open up. Before the race even turned for home, Con Air Hall had a widening four-length lead and there were no serious challenges in sight behind him. With the whip tucked, Cushing sat wet and chilly as Con Air Hall trotted home to a wrapped-up seven-length victory in 1:56.2.
It was the second win in a row and third win of the year for Con Air Hall ($8.60) who is owned by Mark Ford. Elisha Lafreniere trains the winner.
Drew Campbell was the hot driver on Thursday as he won four races on the card. Campbell scored with Carson Hill (1:55.4, $9.00), Miss Daisy Duke (1:57.2, $4.00), Meetmeatthedance (1:55.2, $22.40) and Life Isa Shortwalk (1:55, $4.40).
Not to be outdone, Mitchell Cushing had a driving Hat Trick while Jim Hardy had a double.
The Wicked Hi-5 Pentafecta carryover pool continues to grow and is now up to $6,198 and will be available for that bet in the sixth race on Friday when live racing at Plainridge Park resumes. Post time for the first race is 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)