On Sunday (Sept. 13) Plainridge Park hosted the second leg of the $15,000 Nauset Light for pacing two-year-olds and $15,000 Wood End Light for trotting two-year-olds, and both races featured horses who may be competing in the Massachusetts Sire Stakes starting later this month.
The Nauset pace was won by Bumpah Stickah, who took a first-over path from third, cleared and opened four-and-three-quarter lengths at the top of the stretch and then held off a fast closing Winning Line at the wire to win in 1:55.2. The time was a lifetime mark for the winner.
Bumpah Stickah is owned by David Thibault, Paul Vacca, Ed Nowak Jr. and Jim Hardy. Jolene Andrews trains the winner. Jim Hardy drove the $28.40 winner.
The Wood End trot was won by Beantown Madness, who followed Moni For Lindy for three-quarters of the mile before tipping out and taking the lead off the last turn, trotting away to win by five lengths in a lifetime-best 1:56.1.
The Michael Goldberg Racing Stable owns Beantown Madness who scored his fifth win out of six starts this year for trainer George Ducharme. Shawn Gray piloted the $15.20 winner.
Both Bumpah Stickah and Beantown Madness are Massachusetts-bred and are eligible to compete in the Massachusetts Sire Stakes that begin at Plainridge Park on Sunday (Sept. 27).
Driver Shawn Gray remained red hot at Plainridge, scoring four more wins on Sunday. Drew Monti won three on the card while Jim Hardy took two. Trainers Domenico Cecere and George Ducharme both sent two horses to the winner’s circle.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (Sept. 14) with post time at 2 p.m. (EDT).
(Plainridge Park)