After a slow start, Marquis Lafayette finished fast and first in the $17,500 featured trot at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (June 30).
Early speed came from Swan Fine Lady and Gabbys Wild Child, who traded leads to the quarter with the latter settling on top past that station in :27.1. Positions then remained unchanged to the half when Marquis Lafayette tipped out and started to grind towards the front.
As the race passed the three-quarters in 1:25, Marquis Lafayette drew alongside Gabbys Wild Child and when he did, Gabbys Wild Child made a break, leaving Marquis Lafayette in complete control. As the trotters straightened for home, Swan Fine Lady and Midnite Craze tried hard to catch the leader but Marquis Lafayette was strong on the point and hit the line up by 2-1/4 lengths in a lifetime-best 1:54.1.
It was the fourth win of the year for Marquis Lafayette who is owned by Greathorse and trained by Domenico Cecere. Bruce Ranger piloted the $3.20 winner.
Ranger and Cecere also teamed to score with Goodashim, who tripped out behind Doc Goldenfleece until the top of the stretch. There, he shook loose and brushed to the line first by a half length in 1:56.2. Goodashim is also owned by Greathorse along with Robert Rudolf, David Reid and Christina Takter. He paid $3 to win.
The fastest trot of the day was registered by Blue Knight, who made a substantial class drop pay quick dividends as he took the lead just past the quarter and then went unfettered to wire where he won by 1-3/4 lengths in a lifetime-best-tying 1:54. Blue Knight is owned and trained by Richard Mason Jr. Ivan Davies piloted the $2.80 winner.
The largest win mutuel of the meet was paid out on Thursday after 50-1 shot Neverdie and driver Ron Cushing found racing room late and trotted away to a three-quarter-length victory in 1:57.3. It was the second-straight win and 49th of his career for Neverdie, who paid $102 to win. Mike Graham, Steve Wilson and trainer Mike Cushing own the big winner.
Kevin Switzer Jr. had a driving hat trick while trainer Bob Marston scored two training wins to match Cecere for the afternoon.
Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (July 4) with post time at 4 p.m. (EDT). Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website at and clicking the "Racing" tab.
On Thursday (July 7) Plainridge Park will welcome author Amber Sawyer to the track when she will be signing copies of her latest book, “Love To Race.” It’s a children’s book telling a story through the eyes of retired Standardbred race horse Derek Bromac N.
The Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts will sponsor the distribution of free signed books to the first 20 kids — age 12 and under — who attend the live races at Plainridge that day and come down to meet the author. Each child must be accompanied by an adult in order to request a free book. The book signing will start at 3:30 p.m. in front of the grandstand near the winner’s circle. Copies of the books are $15 each.
(Plainridge Park)