Plainville, MA — Plainridge Park’s leading Driver, Matty Athearn, was on fire on Friday (May 22) winning four of the eight races on the card, including a natural hat trick in races five, six and seven, which was the featured $20,000 Baystate Special pace.
Athearn sat behind Justa Little Bit A, who got away fifth as He’s Coming On (Mitchell Cushing) and ER Griffin (Nick Graffam) traded leads to the half in :54.4. Once on the point, ER Griffin received a strong challenge from Gandolf The Black (Jay Randall), who moved first-over and drew alongside the leader passing three-quarters in 1:22.4, while providing cover for Anvil hands (Jim Hardy) and Justa Little Bit A, who was starting to make up ground.
As the race rounded the final bend, ER Griffin held onto a tenuous lead while Gandolf The Black faded and Anvil Hands was nipping at his heels. When the group turned into the stretch for the final furlong, Athearn tipped Justa Little Bit A off cover, had a clear path to the center of the track and let the horse do the rest. Justa Little Bit A swelled up and paced away to a one length win in 1:51.4, tying his seasonal mark.
It was the 25th career victory for Justa Little Bit A ($13.40), who is owned and trained by Gretchen Athearn.
Matty Athearn also won with Finnbar (1:55.1, $5.60), Bella’s love (1:56.3, $3.80) and Kick The Dirt up (1:54.1, $3.40) to round out his grand slam.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (May 25) at 4 p.m. and there will be a $19,165 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in the sixth race.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Plainridge Park can always be downloaded at their website (plainridgeparkcasino.com) under the “Racing” tab. You can also watch all the race replays on that same page.