A pair of $23,973 conditioned trots topped the card at Plainridge Park on Monday (July 21) afternoon with one winner heavily supported at the windows and the other not so much.
In the first of two, the Massachusetts-bred three-year-old filly Corner Store (Shawn Gray) got away fourth before brushing to the front at the half in :57. Moving to three-quarters, Corner Store turned back a challenge from Bondsman (Drew Monti) before that one made a break, leaving Corner Store loose on the lead. After rounding the last turn, Corner Store simply trotted away from the field down the lane and won by 10-½ lengths in a lifetime best, 1:54.2. Apple Fritter (Mitchell Cushing) finished second, with Wicked Fun (Todd O'Dea) finishing third.
Corner Store ($4.80), who will be competing in the Massachusetts Breeders Stake starting in September, is owned by Paul Kelley Racing, Matthew Lamont, Ellen Palilo and Leo Bauer. The daughter of Six Pack-Seven Eleven is trained by Paul Kelley.
The second of the co-features was won by McStoned Again (Kevin Switzer Jr.) who sat second behind Castel Lindy (Bruce Ranger) through quarters of :28.2, :57.2 and 1:25.4 before tipping off cover in the lane to win by a half length in 1:55.1. Pepper Wow (Ivan Davies) rallied for second over Castel Lindy.
McStoned Again ($20.80) is owned by Michael Pease and the seven-year-old gelded son of Wishing Stone-McMerry Again trained by Chris Hitchcock.
Drivers Shawn Gray and Wally Watson along with trainer Lisa Watson, all had two wins apiece on Monday.
There will be no live racing on Tuesday (July 22) at The Ridge due to the Spirit of Massachusetts program that was held on Sunday (July 20). However live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday (July 24) at 4 p.m.
(With files from The Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)