After watching several in the field take their best shot early, Shesjustadelight N made her move and took control late in progress to winning the $15,000 Fillies and Mares Winners-Over Pace at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Sept. 11) over a rain-soaked track.
The front was a hot piece of property as the leaders changed hands fast and furiously. Empty Gesture took an early lead before Watts Was I Drinkn grabbed it from her at the quarter. But as soon as she hit the pylons, Show Runner rolled out and made the front as they passed under the wire for the first time. But positions were still up for grabs as this restless group of girls produced another attempting the front past the half.
Shesjustadelight N tipped out into the second turn with Seventimesavirgin following her. Shesjustadelight N got to Show Runner’s wheels at the five-eighths and stayed there until the three-quarter pole when Show Runner started to tire.
Around the final bend Shesjustadelight N cleared the front and Seventimesavirgin tipped out for the stretch drive. But Shesjustadelight N had a one-length advantage and driver Mitchell Cushing made sure it stayed that way as he rocked her down to the wire to win in 1:51.4, a seasonal mark for the mare.
It was the third win in only 14 starts this year for Shesjustadelight N, who now has $51,600 on her card for owners Kevin Sywyk and Ron Cushing. Heidi Gibbs trains the $3.80 winner.
Cushing had a big day at "The Ridge", winning four races on the card. Besides the already mentioned Shesjustadelight N, Cushing also scored with Zoe Blue Chip (1:54.2, $17.60), Le Gambe (1:55.4, $4.40) and Freetime (1:54.2, $4.40).
Not to be overlooked, Jim Hardy also had a driving hat trick that included two horses that he also trains.
The Wicked Hi-5 Pentafecta in the sixth race that had a carryover of $10,380 today was finally hit. A 20-cent ticket on the straight combination of 6-9-2-5-8 returned $11,892.06.
The $1.3-million (est.) Massachusetts Sire Stakes will once again be contested at Plainridge Park starting in October. There will be three weeks of $25,000 (est.) preliminary legs starting on Monday, Oct. 1 with the $85,000 (est.) finals to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 30. For more information on this state-bred series, log onto www.sominc.net.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday, Sept. 13 with post time at 2 p.m.
(With files from Plainridge Park)