by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts

Plainville, MA — An assigned outside post and three inside leavers did not dissuade Kenrick N from his preferred style of racing and at the end of the mile, the local wonder from down under notched another big win in the $14,000 Winners Over feature pace at Plainridge Park on Memorial Day Monday (May 28) in front of a large trackside crowd.

Tom Melanson photo

Kenrick N was a wrapped-up, four length winner in 1:50, a new lifetime mark.

Leaving from post seven, driver Ron Cushing floated Kenrick N off the gate and waited for Sailor Jerry (Nick Graffam), Quick Shot (Drew Campbell) and Pretty Boy Hill (Greg Merton) to find the pylons before he urged his horse to the front just before they hit the half in :53.4. From there the race was basically over.

Moving up the backstretch, there were three horses out and three horses in behind the leader but none were making any headway. Cushing popped the plugs right at the three-quarter pole and Kenrick N responded big time. Under mild urging Kenrick N opened up a quick three length advantage as they approached the top of the stretch where Cushing looked over his shoulder and saw the gap he had opened. Then he simply put his hands in his lap and let Kenrick N cruise to the wire at his own pace a wrapped-up, four length winner in 1:50, which was a new lifetime mark.

Now sporting two wins, a second and a third in five North American starts since arriving in April, Kenrick N ($4.40) is well on his way to a career year for owners Kevin Sywyk and Ron Cushing and his trainer Heidi Gibbs.

In the secondary feature, a $12,000 conditioned pace, Mysharona Bluechip (Greg Merton) played give-and-go with Treasure Mach (Ron Cushing) before taking the lead for good at the quarter pole, en route to a solid one length victory in 1:51.3. It was the third win in the last four starts for Mysharona Bluechip ($7.00) and his owner A Piece of the Action. Eric Beach was the successful trainer.

Three drivers won nine of the 11 races on Monday. Shawn Gray registered a grand slam while Greg Merton scored a hat trick and Drew Campbell doubled up.

Racing resumes on Tuesday at Plainridge Park with post time at 4 p.m.