Hilaria sweeps the top mares at Plainridge

Plainville, MA — Hilaria got away worst but got home first.

After a furious stretch drive, Hilaria won the $12,000 Fillies and Mares Winners-Over Handicap Pace at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 22).

Hilaria swept to victory in the top distaff pace on Thursday at Plainridge Park. Tom Melanson photo.

Western Stepp (Drew Campbell), Twist Of Fate (Kevin Switzer Jr.) and Bye Bye Felicia (Jim Hardy) battled hard off the gate for the lead, going three-deep around the first turn until Bye Bye Felicia took command past the quarter in a swift :26.3. As the race went by the stands to the half, an early four-horse outer flow began, led by Neon Sky N (Nick Graffam) and trailed by Hilaria (Mike Stevenson). With three in and four out, the race motored up the backstretch with Neon Sky N fading before three-quarters, causing the trailing horses to bunch and allowing Bye Bye Felicia to open up a three-length lead.

Halfway through the final bend, Hilaria — who was still sitting last and about six-lengths away from the leader — was tipped four-wide by Stevenson and began to pass the competition. By the time they hit the top of the stretch, Hilaria was second behind Bye Bye Felicia, who still had a five-length lead and appeared to be wrapped up. Stevenson continued to urge his mare, and she continued to make up ground. Hardy heard hooves approaching and started to push Bye Bye Felicia in mid-stretch, but it was too little, too late. Hilaria flew by her at the wire to win by a neck in 1:51.4, which was a new lifetime mark.

It was the fourth win in a row and tenth of the season for Hilaria ($8.00), who is also the winningest horse at the 2019 Plainridge Park meet. The 6-year-old Massachusetts-bred daughter of Cheyenne Hollywood and Poster Hanover is owned and trained by Ralph Anderson, who also bred her with Steve Farrell.

Drew Campbell led all drivers with three wins on the card, while Nick Graffam, Kevin Switzer Jr. and Joe DiStefano all doubled up. Trainers Mike Graffam, Chris Lefebvre and John DiStefano each had two conditioning wins.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday (Aug. 23) with post time at 4 p.m.

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