by Jack Ginnetti

Marlborough, MA — Patience paid big dividends for Robert Sumner, who drove 13-1 shot May Day Malone to a nose win in Monday’s (July 9) $26,100 final of the Stan Bergstein Pace at Plainridge Racecourse.

After favorite Sansome Hanover and Dark Sign set quick fractions, the sixth running of the Bergstein developed into what looked like an easy victory for Herzon (with Sean Bier driving) heading past the three-quarter pole. However, at the top of the stretch, Sumner’s horse flew down the lane and just got up in 1:53.2. Pilgrims Toner finished a distant third.

“I had to decide at the top of the lane whether to go inside or stay out and my horse had plenty of kick left,” Sumner commented. “Fortunately I made the right choi ce staying outside.”

Plainridge COO Gary Piontkowski said during the winner’s circle trophy presentation that it was nice to see the Bergstein 2007 victor come from the track’s regular campaigners.

“Bob has been with us since this track opened in 1999.”

Race Secretary Paul Verrette and John DeFiore also participated in the presentation ceremony.

Sumner, of Windsor, Conn., co-owns the horse with Beverly Paganelli of Suffield, Conn., and his wife, Patricia, is the trainer.

Speaking via satellite feed prior to the race, “Mr. Harness Racing” singled out Piontkowski, Steve O’Toole, general manager, and Paul Fontaine, the track’s USTA District 9 representative, and wished all the participants good luck. He also noted how nice it was to have a race named in his honor.

Five races after Monday’s fans at Plainridge were treated to the furious stretch run by May Day Malone, driver Lloyd MacDonald brought home an 80-1 longshot.

Isomattrics, from post eight, came from out of nowhere in the 12th race to lite up the toteboard with a win payoff of $163.00 and an 8-1 exacta that paid $1,523.40. As if that wasn’t enough, the 8-1-3 trifecta paid a whopping $6,183.80 after Lord Donald and He Has Character finished behind the winner at odds of 12-1 and 11-1. Uprising, the favorite, finished fourth in the race that went in 1:58.4.

Racing contues today at Plainridge with a 4:00 p.m. call to post.