Caviart Shelly continued her sharp form from May into June, tripping out to a big win in the $14,000 Fillies and Mares Winners-Over Handicap feature at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, June 5.
Western Stepp left from mid-pack and grabbed the lead quickly. Iced Out was second until she made an uncharacteristic break before the quarter, allowing Caviart Shelly to move into the garden spot where she stayed until the stretch.
The two front-runners played follow the leader through fractions of :27, :56.1 and 1:24.2 without anyone else getting close enough to challenge. At the top of the lane Western Stepp had a two length advantage but driver Wally Watson pulled Caviart Shelly off the pylons and she found another gear; blowing right by the leader to easily win by a length in 1:52.3, a season's best.
Caviart Shelly, paying $11.80 to win, won her second start in nine this year and has $20,195 in the bank for owner Fox Ridge Stable. Lisa Watson trains.
In the $12,000 fillies and mares undercard, Hidden Land shipped into Plainridge from Yonkers and wasted no time flashing her back-class when she led from the gate to the wire in 1:52.3, winning by four lengths.
The time was a season mark for Hidden Land, returning $4.60 to win. The seven-year-old Badlands Hanover progeny is owned by the Jesmeral Stable, trained by Monique Cohen and was driven by Greg Merton.
Driver Drew Campbell found himself smiling for pictures five times on Tuesday as he put on a show for the fans. Campbell won with Acefortyfour Alex (1:54, $3.00), Briar’s Creek Angel (1:56, $3.00), Paradise Skies (1:55.4, $6.00), Mc Attagirl (1:53.4, $5.20) and Rock Market (1:55, $4.60).
Campbell’s pentad of pay dirt now gives him 52 wins for the meet, six ahead of the second place Merton.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday, June 7 at 4 p.m.
(With files from Plainridge Park)