by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Harness driver-trainers Mike Eaton and Kevin Switzer, Jr. kicked off the Plainridge Racecourse opener, notching four and three wins, respectively, on Monday’s (March 19) 13-race card.

Eaton, a local favorite who hails from nearby Cumberland, R.I., posted wins with Vikki Spur ($7.40) in the third race; Dusty Lane Buster ($42) in the fifth; Handsome Hussy ($16.80) in the eighth; and Rosemont Captain ($5.20) in the 12th.

Switzer started things off with a front running score in the season’s opener with Patrician ($3.60); Sand Bunny ($17.60) in the afternoon’s 11th race; and Dalton Sylberun ($15.60) in the nightcap.

The day’s feature race, a $7,000 pace, was won by Gee Gee Giant with Todd Smith in the bike. They posted a nose victory in 1:57.3 over Sammy Neutron, driven by Jason Bartlett. Whitlock N, driven by Switzer, was third. The winner is owned and trained by Mike Perpall.

Shawn Gray also got off to a good start with a pair of wins behind Roy Bean Hanover in the sixth and Sam Francisco Ace in the ninth race.

A good crowd was on hand as Plainridge began its ninth season at the Plainville, Massachusetts Route 1 oval. Track conditions were good thanks to the work of track superintendent Gerald Rocco, Jr. and his staff after snow, sleet and a rainstorm hit the area last Friday.

Racing continues on Tuesday, March 20, with a 4:00 p.m. call to post.