Summer in Massachusetts has been very good to the connections of Fourever Boy this year, who won his fourth race of the meet by taking the $27,397 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Monday (July 1) afternoon.
Torrid Saint A (Matty Athearn) took the first lead of the race before Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) rolled up the outside, imposed his will and grabbed the front just past the :26.3 quarter. The group then went to the half in a well rated :55.2 before Ahi Sunshine (Drew Monti) came first-over to hasten the pace.
Fourever Boy continued to march smartly on the point while Ahi Sunshine made his way to second in the breeze as they entered the far turn. At the top of the lane, that challenge waned just as Torrid Saint A vacated the pocket and took dead aim at the leader. Torrid Saint A was in full flight and gaining, but Fourever Boy never flinched and paced home on his own to win by one length in 1:50.2.
The victory was the third Open win in the last five starts for Fourever Boy ($3.20) who is owned by Micki Rae Stables and Tim Twaddle.
Driver Bruce Ranger had a huge day in the bike, winning five races on the card including a natural hat trick in races eight, nine and 10.
Ranger’s biggest victory came in the secondary featured $23,288 conditioned pace with Alex Having Fun, who was first to the front before cutting quarters of :26, :54.1 and 1:21.4. Alex Having Fun took his lead around the last turn and as they sped towards the wire, held off the tripped-out Gandolf The Black (Brett Beckwith) by one length in a lifetime best-tying 1:50.
Scoring his fourth win of the year, Alex Having Fun ($3.20) is owned and trained by Kimberly Vafiades.
Ranger rounded out his five bagger with Major Betts (1:53, $4.60), Rock Candy (1:52.1, $13.00), Quick Shot (1:52.1, $4.40) and Ucanttouchthis (1:50.3, $5.40).
Kathleen Brewer was the top trainer on Monday, winning two races on the card, both of which were driven by Ranger.
The Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in the ninth race and returned an instant jackpot. The single unique winning combination of 4-2-9-7-3 paid $5,822.70 for a 20-cent wager.
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (July 2) with post time at 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)