by Robert Lieberman

Norwood, MA — The 2-year-old Massachusetts Sire Stake races took place on Thursday (Sept. 9) at Plainridge. There were three races total — the first and second were for pacers and the third was for trotting colts and geldings.

The first pace race, for colts and geldings, was won by Baby Bubby, trained and driven by Jim Hardy in a time of 2:02.2.

The second race, for the fillies, was won by Artesa, but she was disqualified and placed third as Welcometothebeach was moved up into the win position for trainer Nancy Longobardi in a time of 2:01.

The third race for trotting colts and geldings was won by Major Murray, trained by Bjorn Noren and driven by John Kakaley, in a time of 2:08.3.

The first race at Plainridge, which was for fillies and mares with a $3,000 claiming tag, started off the day with a huge surprise as Macopine, driven by John Hogan and trained by Danny Gill, went wire-to-wire in 1:56.4. The horse paid $222.00 to win.

The second race winner was Key To The Palace, driven by John Kakaley and trained by Bill Abdelnour, timed in 1:57.3 and paid $3.60. The early double of 7-6 paid $157.00.

Racing continues on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with post time at 1 p.m. Qualifiers are held on Tuesday at 11 a.m.