by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts

Plainville, MA — Jimmy Whittemore was all business at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Oct. 15) and came away with four winners on the card including capturing both of the $16,000 pacing co-features with Major Leaguer and Bamski.

Tom Melanson photo

Major Leaguer just got the lead in the shadow of the wire to win by a nose in 1:53.

In the Winners Over handicap, Major Leaguer got a perfect pocket trip behind Delightful Offer N (Ron Cushing) who came in on a four-race win streak. The pair sat one-two until the head of the stretch when Delightful Offer N drifted off the pylons, allowing Major Leaguer a clear shot up the pegs. Whittemore pushed him as hard as he could and Major Leaguer just got the lead in the shadow of the wire to win by a nose in 1:53.

It was the eighth win of the year for Major Leaguer ($11.20) who now has a career single-season high $63,640 earned in 2018. Jimmy Whittemore owns and Dennis Whittemore trains Major Leaguer.

Then in the 6-year-old and under conditioned event Whittemore sent Bamski off the wings and led every step of the way. When the race hit the three-quarters in 1:25.3 Whittemore gave Bamski his head and he paced away effortlessly, opening up a five length margin of victory in 1:54.1. Bamski ($15.00) is owned by Lester Gelardi Jr. and Anthony Passafaro and is trained by Monique Cohen.

Rounding out the Whittemore grand slam was Moonpie (1:57.1, $9.60) and Princess Kay (1:55.4, $3.20).

The Massachusetts Sire Stakes have the week off but will return on Monday (Oct. 22) and Tuesday (Oct. 23) next week with the third leg for both 2- and 3-year-olds of both gaits and sexes. The finals will be held on Tuesday (Oct. 30).

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Oct. 16) with post time at 2 p.m.