Working off a picture-perfect drive, Blue Knight went the mile of his life to capture the $20,000 Open Handicap Trot at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (July 7).
Drew Campbell sent Blue Knight to the front and parked Angel Nation to the quarter in :27.3. Now sitting in the pocket, Blue Knight drafted to the half while Remember Titans came first up to push the leader even further as Blue Knight still tracked both.
When Angel Nation started to fade heading to three-quarters, Remember Titans cleared the front and Blue Knight dropped in second once again to save ground around the last turn. When the race hit the top of the stretch, Campbell tipped Blue Knight and drove him confidently to the line where he caught Remember Titans by a neck in 1:53.4 to register a lifetime mark with the win.
It was the second victory in a row for Blue Knight for owner-trainer Richard Mason. He paid $16.60 to win.
The $15,000 secondary feature trot saw Wily Wally control the race from start to finish. After grabbing an early lead, driver Bruce Ranger backed the half to a mere :59.1 with no early opposition, but then Fast N Mighty pulled first up and pushed the fractions from there. The two trotters took the field to the top of the stretch where Wily Wally trotted away to a 1-1/2-length victory in 1:56.3.
It was the second straight win for Wily Wally who is owned by Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Robert Rudolf. Domenico Cecere is the conditioner of the $2.60 winner.
Bruce Ranger and Kevin Switzer Jr. both had three wins on the card while trainers Elisha Lafreniere and Domenico Cecere each registered a double.
Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (July 11) with post time at 4 p.m. (EDT). Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track's website and clicking the "Racing" tab.
(Plainridge Park)