There were two $15,000 feature races for six-year-old and younger pacers on Thursday afternoon at Plainridge Park -- one for fillies and mares and one for horses and geldings -- and both events were won by horses driven by Kevin Switzer, Jr. who steered those winners to a stellar performances despite a steady day-long rain.
The girls hit the track first and Chasethecloudsaway turned in a career-best effort.
Leaving from post four, Switzer fired off the gate with Chasethecloudsaway and dictated every fraction. After getting to the quarter in :27.1, Shes A Fireball (Ron Cushing) came rolling up the outside with the heavy favourite Rightfully Mine (Shawn Gray) on her back. As they motored past the half, Rightfully Mine tipped three deep around Shes A Fireball and drew alongside the leader.
Chasethecloudsaway and Rightfully Mine were pacing stride for stride at three quarters in 1:23.2 and had opened up a 2-1/2 length gap on the rest of the field. The two-horse tussle continued around the far turn and into the stretch where Chasethecloudsaway finally broke away from Rightfully Mine and won by 1-1/2 length in 1:52.3, which was a new lifetime mark.
It was the third win in the last five starts and sixth win of the year for Chasethecloudsaway ($10.20). Chris Petrelli trains the four-year-old daughter of Sunshine Beach-Janns Bid who is owned by David Del Pozzo.
Then in the all male division, Put To Right took advantage of post relief and won in his best outing of the season.
Put To Right got away third and watched as Rogerthat Bluechip (Drew Monti) and General Ward (Jim Hardy) argued for the lead. But Switzer had Put To Right out and rolling before the quarter and took command in front of the stands. From there Put To Right cruised along on the point past the half and to three-quarters with the pocket-sitting Rogerthat Bluechip and Roll With Dom (Ron Cushing) outside of him, giving loose chase.
As they made their way through the turn, Roll With Dom faded and Rogerthat Bluechip pulled off the pylons at the head of the stretch, poised to take his best shot. Rogerthat Bluechip got as close as Put To Right’s wheel but that would be as far as he’d go. Put To Right paced sharply and closed the deal at the line by a length in 1:51.4, which was a new seasonal mark.
Put To Right ($4.60) has now earned $177,796 lifetime on the strength of that win, which was the sixth of his career. Thomas and Scott Dillon share ownership of the four-year-old Captaintreacherous-On The Catwalk offspring that is trained by Joe Nelson.
Switzer was joined by Bruce Ranger and Drew Monti in the two-win category on Thursday.
Once again there was no winner in the Wicked Hi-5 Pentafecta on Thursday and as a result, when live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday (July 2) at 4 p.m. there will be a $17,116 carryover on that wager in race six.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)