The Grand Circuit returns to Plainridge Park on Sunday (July 25) when the track will host the fourth edition of the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot.
The race that has produced the greatest trotting performances ever witnessed in the Commonwealth will once again be complemented by the $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace. And for the first time in several years, the Bert Beckwith Memorial Pace will return and go postward with a purse of $50,000.
The Spirit of Massachusetts Trot became an instant classic in 2017 when 60-1 JL Cruze upset the heavily favoured Hannelore Hanover by a length in 1:51.2. It was an all-time trotting track record set in front of a full house of excited fans. Last year Manchego came to town and left everyone in her wake as she sped to victory in an eye-popping 1:49.3 mile. That time not only rewrote the track record book, it also set a new World Record for aged trotting mares over a five-eighths mile track.
The 2021 field of eligibles is another strong group led by the 2019 Hambletonian winner Forbidden Trade, $2-million winner Crystal Fashion and millionaires Amigo Volo, When Dovescry, Lindy The Great and Guardian Angel As, who won the 2019 Spirit.
Since its inception in 2019, the Clara Barton has been owned by the great Shartin N. In her first stake win at Plainridge in 1:49.1, she set a new all-time track pacing record. But she was far from done and for her encore in 2020, Shartin N blistered a 1:48.2 mile, cracking her own mark.
This year’s Clara Barton has 21 eligibles that includes JK First Lady, who just set a world record of 1:47.4 for four-year-old pacing mares in the $178,500 Dorothy Haughton Memorial at the Meadowlands on Saturday (July 18). Also eligible is Lyons Sentinel, who held that record for two weeks after winning The Artiscape in 1:48 at the Meadowlands on Saturday (July 3). If both of these fleet mares declare, Shartin N’s track records could be in jeopardy.
The Bert Beckwith Memorial originated at Foxboro Park in honour of the legendary New England horseman. When Foxboro closed, Plainridge held the race for several years and is proud to bring it back in 2021. In the past it was an Invitational pace and many great aged pacers have won it, including Hall of Famer Foiled Again. This year’s edition will be presented as an Open to any horse who has raced in Massachusetts at least six times this year and will feature the top pacers who compete regularly at The Ridge.
Other races on the card include a $25,000 mares Open pace, a $25,000 pace for three-year-olds colts and geldings who are Massachusetts Sire Stake eligible and a $25,000 Open pace. The three marquee races combined with the rest of the card will see the day’s participants competing for over $500,000 in total purses.
Other events of note on the program include a race to benefit the Standardbred Transition Alliance and competition from the New England Amateur Drivers Club. And many of the day’s races will be named in honor of some great New England horsemen who were longtime participants in Massachusetts harness racing.
All races for Spirit day will be drawn on Tuesday (July 20) with the box closing at 9 a.m. (EDT).
Also, Plainridge horsemen who are racing during Spirit week (Thursday July 22 to Monday July 26) will see an increase in purses for races for those days.
There is a full day of activities that will surround the Spirit of Massachusetts and it will start with the National Anthem sung by Boston Bruins anthem singer Todd Angilly. Angilly will also be performing at the track throughout the day.
The Berkshire Valley Boys will be providing live music all day long as well at the recently opened party space at the track known as "The Patio". It is located on the north end of the grandstand, adjacent to the parking lot. It features an outdoor space to enjoy food, brews, fire pits, corn-hole and on Spirit Day, will be the location of Red’s Food Truck.
A welcome luncheon is scheduled for owners, their guests and VIP's of the feature races of the day in the Boylston Room, which is located on the second floor of the grandstand.
Fans will be treated to two Spirit of Massachusetts branded giveaways during the afternoon. Each race-goer will have their choice of either a baseball cap or a six-pack cooler wrap. Limit one item per guest while supplies last starting at 1:30 p.m.
And in an effort to help promote breeding in the state and educate the public on racing, the Standardbred y of Massachusetts will have a live mare and foal on display while the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England will host an information table about the sport. Members of both groups will be on hand to answer any questions fans may have about harness racing.
(Plainridge Park)