Plainville, MA — A pair of $13,000 conditioned paces for 5-year-olds and under topped the Tuesday (April 14) card at Plainridge Park, and one of the winners posted a new lifetime mark.
The fastest of the two divisions was won by Encryption, who went from worst to first in an eighth of a mile.
Encryption and driver Bruce Ranger got away last as the leaders of the race changed positions at every quarter. Show Respect (driven by Matty Athearn) had the point first heading to the quarter before Montana GB (Kevin Switzer Jr.) took control heading to the half. But before reaching that station, Chakra (Brad Irvine) swooped to the lead as they turned onto the backstretch. That was where Montana GB made his way back to the top before heading into the final bend.
At that point, Encryption was still last, but Ranger put him in play on that turn. He moved him three-wide around horses in anticipation where his best position would be. Once clear in the lane, Encryption made one push for the lead and bolted past the entire field to move ahead at the line by 1-1/4 lengths and win in a lifetime best 1:52.4, capped by a snappy :27.4 closing panel.
It was the second consecutive career effort for Encryption ($12.20), who is owned by Capital Racing and trained by Rob Harmon.
In the first division, Ladysassin made her first start of the year a winning one.
Ladysassin (Matty Athearn) grabbed the lead off the gate before releasing the parked-out One Eyed Delilah (Drew Monti) to the front as they passed the :27.1 quarter. But Athearn was right back at it with Ladyassasin, who reclaimed control in front of the stands.
From there, Ladyassasin stepped to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:25.4 before heading into the final turn. With none of the trailers having any answers from there, Ladysassin cruised home on top by 4-1/2 lengths and won in 1:54.
Ladysassin ($3) is owned by her trainer, Mike Eaton, in partnership with Robert Griffin.
Ladysassin was one of four winners for Athearn, whose grand slam included a natural hat trick in races four, five and six. Athearn also won with Odds On King Cobra ($19.60), Flying Finn N ($27.60) and Whata Foolbelieves ($5).
Racing at Plainridge Park resumes on Thursday (April 16) at 4 p.m.
Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Plainridge Park can always be downloaded at the track’s website.