Plainville, MA — Angel Nation came up a bit short in his Massachusetts debut last week, but driver Brett Beckwith left little to chance on Thursday (Nov. 17) when he took no prisoners with the good-looking 5-year-old in the $25,000 top-class trot at Plainridge Park.

Angel Nation flew off the gate from post seven and had a two-length lead by the quarter in :27.2. He extended his advantage after the :56.2 half, gapping the field by three at three-quarters and five by the top of the stretch. Angel Nation then closed it out with Beckwith getting the best view of the upset 1:54.4 mile.

Angel Nation was never in doubt in Thursday’s top-level trot at Plainridge. Tom Melanson photo.

Coming to the end of a career year, Angel Nation ($15.60) now has seven wins and $107,400 in the accounts of his connections William Hartt and Melissa Beckwith, who also trains the winner.

The undercard $20,000 upper conditioned trot was an even bigger upset as Billy B (Wally Watson) brushed late to score at 15-1.

Wily Wally (Jim Hardy) led to the half in :57.4 before Moni Heist (Bruce Ranger) came calling and pushed the issue to three-quarters. Billy B was on Moni Heist’s back but waited until the top of the stretch to tip off cover. At that point, Billy B got in gear and roared down the center of the track to claim a neck victory in 1:58.1 over his fast-closing stablemate, Lindy On Stage (Jay Randall).

Billy B ($33.20) got his sixth win of the year for owner Joel Wheeler and trainer Lisa Watson.

The Watsons combined for two wins on Thursday but were outdone by another team of wedlock winners, Mark and Gretchen Athearn, who had a hat trick during the afternoon.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (Nov. 21) with post time at 1 p.m. Free full past performance race programs for all live race days can be downloaded by visiting the track’s website.