by Paul Verrette, for Plainridge Racecourse

Plainville, MA — Three divisions of opening round action in the Mike McCusker Trotting Series highlighted the Tuesday afternoon card at Plainridge Racecourse.

In the first division, Carol Karter’s Prince Of Trot took full advantage of a two hole trip and got up in the closing strides to score a 1:59.2 victory. David Ingraham was in the bike as the veteran trotter won his third race of the season. Front running Chooch (Orrin Phipps) held on to finish second, while Delphi’s Spectator (Drew Campbell) rallied for third.

Alan Mattison Photo

College Credit was an easy winner in her McCusker split on Tuesday.

The only filly among the two dozen McCusker starters won the second division. College Credit, locally owned by Robert Guerrini, Nicola Oliva and George Bullukian, went an impressive first over journey for driver Bob Tisbert and cruised to a length and three-quarter victory over Jay See Eye N (Dave Ingraham) and Awesome Glow (Drew Campbell.) George Ducharme trains the three-year-old daughter of Credit Winner, who established a new lifetime mark with the 1:59.1 win.

The third and final division of the McCusker was also the fastest. Muscle For Hire (Greg Bowden) trotted to an easy 1:58.3 victory to make his first visit to the winner’s circle this season. Favored Be Hooved (Bob Tisbert) finished second, while Partnershipprobelm (Jason Bartlett) grabbed the show spot. Muscle For Hire is owned and trained by Peter Doucette of Hebron, Maine.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Racecourse on Thursday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.