Plainville, MA — There were two $25,000 Open events held at Plainridge Park on Thursday (Oct. 23) afternoon, and both winners scored big upsets from off the pace.
In the Open Handicap Pace for fillies and mares, Side Piece (Bruce Ranger) got away third behind Seaside Tina (Mitchell Cushing) and Swedish Starlet (Matty Athearn), who pushed her way to the front passing the quarter in :27.1. Swedish Starlet N then backed down the half to :56.2 when Side Piece moved first-over to challenge on the backstretch.
Side Piece used a :27 third panel to pass Swedish Starlet N and cross over to the lead by two lengths at three-quarters in 1:23.2. Side Piece then opened up three lengths at the top of the stretch, but late rushes from a resurgent Swedish Starlet N and a fast-closing Always Bstunning N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) whittled that lead down to a half length at the line, where Side Piece hung on to win in 1:52.2.
It was the fifth win of the year for Side Piece ($36.40), who is owned by Janie Kellogg and trained by Jackie Greene.
Then, in the Open Handicap Pace for horses and geldings, Spring Inhis Step A (Brett Beckwith) rolled to the lead from post 7 and was never headed from there. After posting quarters of :26.2, :55 and 1:22.2, Spring Inhis Step A turned for home and separated from the field by 2-1/2 lengths and won easily in 1:50.2.
It was the fourth win in the last five starts and eighth win overall this year for Spring Inhis Step A ($12.20), who is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Jeff Cullipher.
On a day when only one favorite won, there were plentiful payouts available all afternoon. Premium win prices included Twin B Jays (1:52.2, $92.60), who triggered an 8-3-1 $1 trifecta that paid $4,090.50, and Jackies Boy (1:50.2, $39.40).
Kevin Switzer Jr. was the top driver with three wins while Jeff Cullipher bested other trainers with two wins of his own.
Live racing at Plainridge Park will resume on Friday (Oct. 24) at 2 p.m.; there will be a $2,983 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in the sixth race.
The $1.2 million finals of the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes will be held at Plainridge Park next Thursday (Oct. 30).
Free full past performance programs and race replays for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be found at plainridgeparkcasino.com.