It took lifetime efforts by Always Bstunning N and Morning Edition to win the featured $34,247 Opens at Plainridge Park on Thursday, Aug. 14.
In the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace, Always Bstunning N endured a first-over grind to victory.
Side Piece (Bruce Ranger) was the early leader, but after the :26.2 quarter, Talk Curdy To Me (Shawn Gray) tipped from third and grabbed the lead before the :54 half. At that point, Always Bstunning N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was already out and rolling third, and making her way towards the leader. As the race approached three-quarters in 1:21, Always Bstunning N engaged Talk Curdy To Me, and the two mares paced in tandem around the last turn and halfway down the lane. Always Bstunning N then forged ahead by 1-1/2 lengths to win in 1:49.3 and set her new lifetime mark. Talk Curdy To Me finished second, followed by Swedish Starlet N (Matt Athearn).
Always Bstunning N ($4.40) is owned by Richard Poillucci and trained by Gretchen Athearn. The six-year-old Always B Miki-Simply Stunning mare raised her lifetime totals to 13 wins and $186,156 in earnings in 51 starts.
In the Open Handicap Trot, Morning Edition moved from last to first in the final quarter for the win.
By The Book (Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Usain Hanover (Nick Graffam) traded leads in the first quarter of :27.1 before Usain Hanover settled on the top and passed the half in :54.3. Marquis Lafayette (Bruce Ranger) started an outer flow, and Morning Edition (Shawn Gray) followed loosely behind but still trailed the field of five at three-quarters in 1:23.1. The early tempo had gotten to Usain Hanover, who started to fade and then made a break on the final turn, leaving Marquis Lafayette the new leader and the one to beat. But then Morning Edition began to soar and trotted by the leader in deep-stretch to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:52.3, lowering his career mark. Marquis Lafayette was second over Sforza (Beckwith).
Morning Edition ($9.60) recorded his 15th lifetime win in 77 appearances and grew his career earnings to $304,027. The Walner-Morning Glow six-year-old is trained by Alicia Gray for Mark Jakubik and Douglas Overhiser.
Beckwith and Bruce Ranger both had three driving wins on the 10-race card, while 10 different trainers each won one race apiece.
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. with a $5,674 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.
(Plainridge Park)