Plainville, MA — Pocket position patience paid prolifically for Mach Seelster, who turned a deep-stretch brush into a big win in the $17,000 conditioned pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (April 15).
When the gate pulled away, the field lined up in post position order with Control Group (Matty Athearn) on the point and Mach Seelster (Drew Monti) tucked away second. After getting to the half in :56.3, Pyrenees Hanover (Nick Graffam) made a first-over move and brought the heavily favored Swifty Run (Brett Beckwith) with him in the breeze while Mach Seelster was still fifth and locked in.
As the race spiralled off the final bend, Pyrenees Hanover was still outside Control Group while Swifty Run had tipped thee-wide around them both. But it was Mach Seelster who found room along the pegs and flew through the inside path to pass them all and win by a neck in 1:53.1 for the upset.
Mach Seelster ($34.20) is owned and trained by Domenic Longobardi.
In the undercard $14,000 conditioned pace, Seafood Togo (Drew Campbell) took a similar route to victory after tripping out behind Poker Sy (Brett Beckwith) through quarters of :27.3, :57.3 and 1:26.3 before tipping out at the top of the stretch to stride by the leader and win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:54.4.
Seafood Togo ($10.20) is owned by Seafood Delight Stable and trained by Nicholas Vamvilis.
Drivers who won two races on Tuesday were Matty Athearn, Drew Campbell, Drew Monti and Kevin Switzer Jr., while 11 different trainers scored one win apiece.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday (April 17) at 4 p.m.
Free full past performance programs and race replays for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be found on the track’s website.