Following second-over in a live outer flow, Checkpoint Chatter used her usual late kick for driver Jimmy Hardy to win the featured $24,286 filly and mare conditioned pace at Plainridge Park on Monday, June 29.
Chakra (Matty Athearn) left sharply from post eight and was commander of fractions for most of the mile. With Wolverina (Nick Graffam) in the pocket, Chakra set fractions of :26.1 and :54.2 before Whiskey Blue Chip (Brett Beckwith) made a first-over move and gave live cover to Checkpoint Chatter, who gapped slightly at three-quarters in 1:22.
As the field made its way off the last bend, Checkpoint Chatter was then fully underway and moved clear to the center of the track as Chakra was under a full attack. Whiskey Blue Chip was to her left and Wolverina was to her right. But on the far outside was Checkpoint Chatter, who flew past them all to win in the shadow of the wire in 1:51.2, setting a new personal season's best. Chakra was second, with Wolverina in the show position.
Checkpoint Chatter ($8.20) is owned by Upland Farm of Wilbraham, Massachusetts. Don Guidette Jr. trains the eight-year-old daughter of Always A Virgin-Blistletoe who surpassed $460,000 in career earnings with her 34th career victory.
The second top pace of the day at The Ridge was a $20,000 Trackmaster event that was won by Waterfront, who put forth a lifetime-best effort.
Waterfront and Drew Monti went right to the front and were never headed from there. After posting quarters of :26.2, :56 and 1:23.1, Waterfront opened up a two-length advantage at the top of the stretch and cruised home to win in 1:50.3 and take a new lifetime mark. Odds On Lauderdale (Mike Oosting) finished 1-1/4 lengths behind in second with Bang Ah Uey (Hardy) third.
A four-year-old Papi Rob Hanover-DB Blue Chip gelding, Waterfront ($15.20) is trained by Julia Eaton and owned by Bruce Weinstein of Needham, Massachusetts and Ashley Weinstein of West Roxbury, Massachusetts.
Drivers Athearn and Beckwith each had two wins while 10 different trainers won one race apiece.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, June 30 at 4 p.m.
(With files from Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)