Shawn Gray sweeps all three features

Plainville, MA — Plainridge Park’s 2020 harness racing dash driving champion Shawn Gray was on fire Monday (May 31) as he won the top three featured paces of the week at The Ridge during the Memorial Day card.

In the $20,000 Open Handicap, Gray left with Meadowlands invader My Pal Joe and tucked in second behind No Quarter (Greg Merton) who cut fractions of :26, :54 and 1:21.2, with JK Will Power (Kevin Switzer Jr.) parked outside most of the way.

The rim-rider faded before that third station and My Pal Joe tipped to make his move. My Pal Joe cleared at the head of the lane and paced away under a line drive to win by 3-1/4 lengths in 1:50.1.

MY PAL JOE REPLAY

It was the fourth win of the year for My Pal Joe ($3.00) and it pushed his 2021 earnings to $63,715 for owner United Process Control and trainer Alex Chartrand.

Gray also scored in a pair of $15,000 Winners-Over contests; one for each sex.

The distaff pace went to Firstup ($5.80) who Gray pulled first-over from third at the half to chase the front-running The Fun Marshall (Bruce Ranger) up the backstretch to the three-quarters. Firstup caught The Fun Marshall there and then pace stride for stride with her around the last turn before pulling away by two lengths at the line in 1:53.1.

It was the fourth win of the year and a new seasonal mark for Firstup ($5.80) who is owned by the Jesmeral Stable. Sheena Mcelhiney trains the winner.

Then in the accompanying event for horses and geldings, Gray sent Passport To Art to the front and never looked back. After getting to the half in :55.4, Passport To Art held off a strong challenge from Our Corelli N (Greg Merton) up the backstretch before opening up a two length lead around the last turn. Coming off that bend, Bettor’s Fire N (Ron Cushing) finally shook loose from the pylons and was pacing up a storm. Bettor’s Fire N gained ground with every stride but Passport To Art had the jump and was able to hang by a nose for a 1:52 win and a new seasonal mark.

Passport To Art ($5.80) is owned by Elizabeth and Dyce Spalluto and is trained by Alicia Gray.

Kevin Switzer Jr. also had a big day at Plainridge on Monday with a natural Hat Trick in the first three races. Switzer won with Bet You (1:52.2, $6.40), Spider Dragon (1:54, $38.20) and Respectable Dream (1:53.3, $6.60).

When live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday (June 3), there will be an $8,988.56 carry over in the sixth race Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta. Post time for the first race will be at 4 p.m.

By Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts