A pair of four-year-old mares won co-featured $12,000 distaff paces at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon, each employing a different strategy to get the job done.
First in a mid-level conditioned event, Thats Incredible (Drew Monti) drafted along fifth while Avery Seelster (John Nason) marshalled the group to the half in a quick :54.3. At that point Monti had Thats Incredible out and rolling on the outside as they made their way up the backside. Passing horses quickly, That’s Incredible drew alongside Avery Seelster in the last turn and took the lead at the head of the stretch. Under mild urging, Thats Incredible stayed in front of the late closing Shady Caroline (Nick Graffam) and Certified Ideal (Mitchell Cushing) to win in 1:53.2, which was a new seasonal mark.
Thats Incredible ($3.60) scored her fourth win of the year for owner Joseph Trice and trainer Jimmy Nickerson.
Then in the non-winners of six lifetime condition, Mary Goodnight (Shawn Gray) took the lead at the quarter and stayed on top all the way to the wire. Posting fractions of :27.3, :57 and 1:25.1, Mary Goodnight turned for home and held off the hard charging After The Lovin (Ron Cushing), Cornerd Beach (Bruce Ranger) and Rys Red Rocket (Matty Athearn) all the way down the stretch to win by a length in 1:54.
It was the third win in a row and fourth out of the last five starts for Mary Goodnight ($2.40) who is owned by Joey McWhinnie and trained by Scott Rollins.
Driver Bruce Ranger had the hot hand again, winning three races on the card while Kevin Switzer, Jr. and Jay Randall each won two. Trainer Melissa Beckwith registered three winners as well with Robert Gale posting two.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday afternoon with post time set for 2 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)