Plainville, MA — A pair of $25,000 upper-level conditioned paces that were divided by gender topped the card on Friday afternoon (Nov. 3) at Plainridge Park and both events featured fantastic finishes.

The boys went first and Torrid Saint A (Matty Athearn) won his second straight race on the strength of a late rush.

Torrid Saint A won one of the co-features by three-quarters of a length on Friday at Plainridge Park. Tom Melanson photo.

Torrid Saint A got away fifth as Sundown Kid (Bruce Ranger) set up shop at the top and took the group to the half in a tepid :57.2, as no one posed a challenge. After spinning out of turn two Ranger hit the gas and scorched a :26.3 third quarter, trying to put away the field early. But during that quick quarter Athearn was out and rolling with Torrid Saint A, following the cover of Kill A Dragon (Jay Randall). Sundown Kid took his lead into the stretch but Torrid Saint A swung three-wide and came roaring down the middle of the track, posting a :27.1 final panel of his own to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:52.1.

It was the 20th lifetime win for Torrid Saint A ($4.80) who is owned by Joe Trice and trained by Jimmy Nickerson.

Then the mares lined up with Probert (Brett Beckwith) besting the bunch and pushing her 2023 earnings north of the century mark.

Racey Rach N (Mitchell Cushing) took her usual spot on the point and got to the half in :57. Beckwith had Probert out and moving at that point, making a slow advance towards the leader. As they paced past three-quarters, Racey Rach N still had a two-length lead and Probert had stalled in the breeze. But as they reached the apex of the final bend, Probert found new footing and bolted even with Racey Rach N. Heading down the stretch, Probert finally cleared the front and then held off a late closing La Bella Vita N (Shawn Gray) to win by 1-1/2 in 1:53.1.

Probert held off the late closting La Bella Vita N for a narrow victory this afternoon at the Ridge. Tom Melanson photo.

The sixth win of the year for Probert ($7.20) pushed her earnings to $109,316 for owners Howard Jacobs, Jim Winske and Marcus Kemblowski. Melissa Beckwith trains the winner.

Brett Beckwith and Bruce Ranger each had two driving wins Friday while eight different trainers each won one race apiece.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday (Nov. 6) with post time for the first race set at 1 p.m.