After being claimed for $12,500 on July 20, Prince Aston’s performances merited a start in the Open at Plainridge Park two weeks ago. But stepping back down in class proved fruitful for his connections this week as he won the $12,000 pacing feature at 'The Ridge' on Monday afternoon.
Prince Aston (Shawn Gray) got away a gapped sixth while Hes Marvelous (Nick Graffam) took the field to the quarter in :26.4 and after a lead change, American Rock (Jim Hardy) led them through the second panel in :55.1. An outer flow formed at that point and Prince Aston was third over in the line as the group passed the three-quarters in 1:23.2.
As the field bunched in the turn, Gray tipped Prince Aston three-deep around Vegas Dream (Greg Merton) and continued to advance despite American Rock’s solid pace. With these three horses now even across the track at the head of the stretch, American Rock seceded and Prince Aston and Vegas Dream continued in an all-out battle. Going stride for stride all the way to the wire, Prince Aston got the last call and won by a half-length in 1:52.1.
Prince Aston ($9.80) now has four wins and $36,773 earned this year for his owner Jeffrey Kaylor. The five-year-old gelded son of Four Starzzz Shark is trained by Joe Therrien.
In the co-featured $10,000 conditioned pacing event, Lindy Beach (Greg Merton) seated fifth briefly before charging for and getting the lead at the quarter. From there he led every step of the way en route to an easy three-length victory in 1:51, which was a new seasonal mark. Lindy Beach ($3.00) is owned by Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Frank Baldassare and is trained by Frank Antonacci.
Greg Merton just keeps rolling along at Plainridge Park as he scored five more wins on Monday afternoon. The day's tallies included Life Isa Shortwalk (1:54.1, $3.40), Jus Like A Virgin (1:54, $4.20), Lindy Beach, Beachchip Hanover (1:53.3, $3.40) and Superbowl Party (1:52.4, $13.60).
Also, Shawn Gray had a hat trick of his own during the proceedings.
Racing resumes on Tuesday afternoon at Plainridge Park with first race post time set at 2:30 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)