Plainville, MA — After following live cover through the second half of the race, Handlelikeaporsche accelerated late and posted a 21-1 upset in Tuesday’s (April 28) $25,000 Open Handicap Pace at Plainridge Park.
Grey Horizon (Drew Monti) played hardball off the gate, grabbing the lead and seating Mr McClaren N (Larry Stalbaum) and Mullinax (Shawn Gray) while zooming to the half in :54.2. At that station, Nick Graffam tipped Handlelikeaporsche from fifth and flushed Mullinax, who ran down Grey Horizon for the next quarter mile while also providing live cover for Handlelikeaporsche.
Mullinax and Grey Horizon were on near even terms through the last turn until Mullinax pulled ahead at the top of the lane. That’s where Graffam stepped on the gas and drove Handlelikeaporsche three-deep down the lane. Handlelikeaporsche took command and held off the fast-closing What’s Stanley Got A (Cory Stratton) and Vicious (Kevin Switzer Jr.) to win by a half length in 1:51.
Handlelikeaporsche ($45.40) is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Melissa Beckwith.
Later, in the $22,000 Open II Pace, Borninlockdown GB (Kevin Switzer Jr.) took an early lead and never looked back. After setting quarters of :27.2, :56.1 and 1:23.3, Borninlockdown GB turned for home and cruised on top by 2 lengths in 1:51.
Borninlockdown GB ($3.40) is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi and trained by Joe Nelson.
Drivers Matty Athearn, Nick Graffam and Kevin Switzer Jr. all had three wins apiece along with trainer Gretchen Athearn, who ended the day with two victories for her stable.
Racing at Plainridge Park resumes on Thursday (April 30) at 4 p.m.
Free full-card past performance programs and race replays for every live card of racing at Plainridge Park can always be downloaded at plainridgeparkcasino.com.