A pair of $28,767 conditioned trots topped the card at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, Aug. 12 with a heavy favourite and a longshot taking the wins.
International Law (Shawn Gray) got away fifth in the first event as Castel Lindy (Bruce Ranger) led to the quarter in :28. But Gray had his charge out and moving in front of the stands, and International Law crossed over to the lead as they passed the half in :58. From there, it was all academic as International Law maintained a measured advantage to three-quarters in 1:27, around the last turn, and into the stretch. When he straightened for home, International Law drew clear by 2-3/4 lengths and won easily in 1:55.2. Castel Lindy finished second, followed by Swan Faith (Drew Monti).
International Law ($2.40) is owned by the Erv Miller Stable Inc. and Douglas Overhiser. The four-year-old son of International Moni-Love N Lindy is now five-for-30 lifetime. He is trained by Alicia Gray.
In the second co-feature, Cruising Tom (Matty Athearn) got away sixth as Remember Titans (Drew Monti) and Mounds For All (Mitchell Cushing) traded leads to the quarter in :28.1. Mounds For All eventually landed in front moving to the half in :57, where Cruising Tom came first-over with a methodical advance. Cruising Tom drew alongside Mounds For All past three-quarters in 1:25.4 and forged into the lead while holding off the late-closing Remember Titans to win by a neck in 1:55.3. Bar Coins (Ranger) was third.
Cruising Tom ($21) took his 12th career win in 73 starts. Jimmy Nickerson trains the Muscle Mass-Sos Respect gelding for Rick Cortese and Marc Reynolds.
Drew Monti led all drivers with a grand slam in the card. Monti won with Captain Suzuki (1:55.4, $4.60), Briars Desire (1:53, $4.60), Blue Eyed Babe (1:55, $5.80), and Lair Of Theeagle A (1:56.1, $63.20).
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday at 4 p.m. with a $3,513 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(With files from the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts; photo of International Law winning on Aug. 12)