To say that Lindy Farms had a big day at Plainridge Park on Monday would be an understatement as trainer Frank Antonacci sent four of his students to the winner’s circle and driver Greg Merton registered a grand slam sitting behind them, led by local trotting star Mambo Lindy who scored his fifth straight win at the Ridge this year in the $17,000 Open Handicap trot.
Exhibiting normal racing procedure, Mambo Lindy (Greg Merton) was taken off the gate and settled in last while Guiltywithanexcuse (Jim Hardy) and Black Broadway (Chris Long) battled for the lead. That contentious bout continued past the half where Mambo Lindy pulled behind Karets (Steve Nason) who took air first and was advancing.
With the field three in and four out heading to the three-quarters, Black Broadway started to fade and Karets tipped three-deep around him. Mambo Lindy followed that cue momentarily, but Merton already had Mambo Lindy in overdrive and elected to go four-high onto highway 425 to take advantage of his momentum. Before they straightened out for home, Mambo Lindy had cleared and Merton sat chilly in the bike as the leader trotted away effortlessly to win by five lengths in 1:54.2.
It was the 19th win (17 of them at Plainridge) in only 31 lifetime starts for Mambo Lindy ($2.40) who now boasts earnings of $129,560 for owner Greathorse of Hampden, Massachusetts.
“It’s something to watch him (Mambo Lindy) trot his last half-mile. You set him on auto-pilot and he just gobbles up ground; he knows where that finish line is and he’s going to get there first. He’s just a cool little horse” said trainer Frank Antonacci after the win.
Mambo Lindy is eligible to the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot to be held at Plainridge Park on Friday (July 28).
Rounding out the Antonacci/Merton four-bagger were Only Passing Thru ($2.60, 1:55.3), World Of Lindy ($3.60, 1:59.1) and French Press ($4.20, 1:57).
In the co-featured $12,000 conditioned pacing event, Midnite Craze (Kevin Switzer) took the lead just past the eighth pole and never relented the position en route to a handy one-length victory over a pesky Money Mayweather (Wally Watson) in 1:55.2, which was a new seasonal mark for the winner. Midnite Craze ($2.60) is owned and trained by G. Richard Mason, Jr.
Jim Hardy had a very productive day at Plainridge too as he was responsible for three driving and two training wins.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday with post time set for 4 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)