Fresh off a top class victory as the favourite last week, Artful Way was let go at 4-1 yet came right back to win again in the $25,000 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon.
Drew Campbell put Artful Way on the point and marched to the half in :55.2. There the heavily favoured The Bird Dance N (Ron Cushing) tipped from third to try and challenge for the lead. The Bird Dance N advanced up the backside and got within striking range of the leader heading into the last turn. But Artful Way turned back The Bird Dance N before the top of the stretch and then held off a late charging Real Peace (Kevin Switzer Jr.) to win by a neck in 1:51.2.
It was the eighth win of the year for Artful Way ($10.40) who has now earned $123,267 this year for owner Kellogg Racing Stable. Jackie Greene trains Artful Way.
In the $22,500 undercard feature, Passport To Art (Shawn Gray) followed Put To Right (Bruce Ranger) every step for seven-eighths of the mile until the top of the stretch where Gray tipped and paced past Put To Right to win by 1/2 length in 1:51.2.
It was the second straight win for Passport To Art ($7.60) who is owned by Elizabeth and Dyce Spalluto and trained by Alicia Gray.
Passport To Art was the third win of the day for Shawn Gray. Drew Campbell and Matty Athearn also had two wins on Thursday as did trainer Gretchen Athearn.
Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday (Oct. 1) at 2 p.m.
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)