A pair of winners-over trots -- one worth $20,000 and the other $15,000 -- highlighted the action at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon and despite the day-long rain, both winners prevailed off strong performances.
In the top event, Lucky Weekend (Shawn Gray) floated off the gate and took outside air in a :27.1 quarter. But he methodically made his way to the front past the three-eighths pole and took command for good. From there Gray backed down the half before Only Passing Thru (Wally Watson) came first up in the outer flow.
Lucky Weekend felt pressure from that challenge but continued to trot with authority. Only Passing Thru trotted well too and matched strides with him from the three quarters, around the far turn to the top of the lane. But Lucky Weekend was relentless and refused to lose the epic stretch battle, crossing the line ahead of Only Passing Through by a half-length margin in 1:55, which equalled his seasonal best.
Lucky Weekend ($6.80) now boasts four wins and $43,280 in earnings this year for owner the Jesmeral Stable. Sheena McElhiney does the training.
In the secondary division (which was handicapped), Winding Hill (Drew Monti) sat the pocket trip behind Vesuvio Bi (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) right to the top of the stretch where Monti tipped and urged him by the leader down the lane. Once he cleared, Winding Hill pulled away to a two length victory in a season's best 1:55.3.
Winding Hill ($5.60) captured his 35th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Diane Whittemore. Marissa Chadbourne trains the winner.
Ivan Davies led all drivers and trainers for wins on Friday as he steered two horses he also conditions to victory during the card.
Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (June 7) at 4 p.m. and there will be a $15,392 carry over in the sixth race Wicked Hi-5 wager.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)