Plainville, MA — Driver Bruce Ranger and trainer Domenico Cecere teamed up to post a grand slam on Thursday (Sept. 9) at Plainridge Park.
Their big win came in the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot with Marquis Lafayette, who pulled at the half with cover from Sidd Finch (Drew Campbell) in pursuit of leader Breckenridge (Mitchell Cushing). Sidd Finch cleared the lead at three-quarters as Marquis Lafayette still hung in the breeze two lengths behind at the top of the stretch. However, Ranger got Marquis Lafayette in gear, and he trotted up a storm down the lane and caught Sidd Finch at the line by a head in 1:53, tying his seasonal mark.
It was the third win of the year for Marquis Lafayette ($4.60), who is owned by Greathorse.
Ranger and Cecere also won with Murial (1:58.3, $2.60), Treatyofversaille (1:56.2, $3.00) and Intl Blockade (1:55.4, $2.60), all for Lindy Farms of Connecticut.
Ranger also won the last race of the day with Tobasco (1:56.3, $23.20), giving himself a five-bagger for the afternoon.
In the $20,500 upper-level conditioned trot, Cruising Tom (Matty Athearn) notched a new lifetime mark after he took the lead past the quarter, won an extended duel with Malibu Kid (Brett Beckwith) from the half to the top of the stretch, and trotted away from the competition by 2-3/4 lengths to win in 1:53.3.
It was the second win in the last three starts and fifth win of the year for Cruising Tom ($8.20), who is owned by Rick Cortese and Marc Reynolds. Jimmy Nickerson trains the winner.
Athearn and Nickerson doubled together after Topville Swift Dan ($10.40) was victorious in 2:27 in the first 1-1/4-mile trot held at Plainridge this year. Athearn ended the day with a hat trick.
Racing at Plainridge Park resumes on Monday (Sept. 9) at 2 p.m.