Plainville, MA – Six-year-old New Zealand import Always Bstunning N was the off-time favorite and lived up to expectations as she turned back six male counterparts in the $25,000 Open Pace to score her 12th win of the year at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Nov. 25) afternoon.
Kevin Switzer Jr. got away fifth with Always Bstunning N, as Ahi Sunshine (Bruce Ranger) scorched fractions of :26.1 and :54.4 to the half. At that station, Heinikin Bythebay (Matty Athearn) pulled first-over while Always Bstunning N picked up his cover heading up the backstretch.
When the race reached three-quarters in 1:21.4, Ahi Sunshine was clear by three, but Always Bstunning N tipped three-high around Heinikin Bythebay and was closing fast. Ahi Sunshine rounded the last turn and when he reached the head of the stretch, Always Bstunning N had pulled alongside and then pulled away, while also holding off four other horses strewn across the track in pursuit as they approached the line, where Always Bstunning N refused to lose and scored by one-quarter length in 1:51.1.
After the win, Always Bstunning N ($3.80) went to $169,576 in earnings this year for owner Richard Poillucci and trainer Gretchen Athearn.
Always Bstunning N was one of four wins for Kevin Switzer Jr. on the card as he scored a grand slam during the afternoon. Switzer also won with Race Me Shipyard (1:59.4, $5.60), Seaside Tina (1:53, $7.00) and Balenciaga (1:54.3, $8.00).
There was also a $25,000 Open trot on the card that went to A New Leader (Mitchell Cushing), who marched through quarters of :27.3, :56.3 and 1:24.3 before turning for home and breaking the beam in 1:53.4 for his eighth win of the year.
A New Leader ($6) is owned by Ray Lasky and his driver Mitchell Cushing, who also trains the trotter.
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Wednesday (Nov. 26) at 1 p.m.
Just a reminder, Plainridge will be dark on Thanksgiving Thursday (Nov. 27) and will close out the 2025 meet on Friday (Nov. 28) at 1 p.m.
Free full past performance programs and race replays for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be found at plainridgeparkcasino.com.