by Paul Verrette, for Plainridge Racecourse

Plainville, MA — After playing the role of bridesmaid for two weeks, Manhattan Special (Fern Paquet, Jr.) finally found the winner’s circle in the Open Trot at Plainridge Racecourse on Tuesday.

Owned by Robert Roble of Rockville Centre, New York and trained by Marybeth Beauregard, Manhattan Special sat third in the early going, following a speed duel between Prince Of Trot (Scott Nichols) and Chooch (Orrin Phipps).

Past the half-mile marker Paquet eased his trotter to the lead, and was never seriously challenged. Master Zig (Todd O’Dea) finished a strong closing second in the 1:58.2 mile, with My Boss Lady (Shawn Gray) grabbing third.

Manhattan Special was the third different winner in the last three weeks in the open trotting event.

For the third consecutive Tuesday, Bob Sumner won the feature race of the day.

Alan Mattison Photo

Best After Midnite scored in the Tuesday pacing feature at Plainridge.

Best After Midnite, who was named New England’s Pacer of the Year in 2004, cruised to a five length victory in the $7,000 event for $20,000 claimers. Irish Tooter (Mike Eaton) rallied for second, with Powerhouse Sahbra (Shawn Gray) grabbing third. The 1:54 mile is the second fastest of the season at Plainridge.

In other action, Brad Irvine tallied a driving double for the second consecutive day, winning the fourth race with Just Justine and sixth race with Arts Unknown. Those two wins also comprised a training double for Mike Perpall, who is always near the top of the Plainridge training charts.

Paquet also notched a driving double, scoring with Manhattan Special and Stand Sharp BJ, who won the four-year-old open in 1:55.1.

All American Wager’s impressive 1:55.1 victory was his fourth consecutive win. Wallace Watson drove the classy son of Life Sign, who is owned by Nelson Searway of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and trained by Charles Eaton.

Racing resumes at Plainridge on Thursday at 4:00 p.m., and is highlighted by three divisions of opening round action in the Bunker Hill Trot.