Ranger wins features at Plainridge

Plainville, MA — After winning last week off a decisive drop in class, Turnthefrownaround returned to the spotlight event and captured the $25,000 Winners-Over for harness racing fillies and mares at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (May 3).

That’s Incredible (Drew Monti) had the lead at the quarter but Slick Artist A (Shawn Gray) and Turnthefrownaround (Bruce Ranger) both brushed the leader in front of the stands with Turnthefrownaround controlling the pace when the dust settled. After a slow :57 half, trailers we’re out and rolling to push the issue.

Adashious Hanover (Jay Randall) was first over heading up the backstretch with So Amazing (Frank Affrunti) on her back while Slick Artist A and That’s Incredible were tripping along closely inside. But Turnthefrownaround sped up the third quarter with a :27.1 clocking keeping everyone in place without gaining ground.

Turnthefrownaround turned for home and was in complete control as she paced away to a three length lead and won in 1:52.3.

It was the second win in a row at Plainridge Park for Turnthefrownaround ($4.60) and owners Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi. Joe Nelson trains the winner.

TURNTHEFROWNAROUND REPLAY

Ranger also won with Unwritten Rule who after changing hands through claims twice in the last two weeks, stepped up for his new connections by winning the $17,500 co-featured pace.

Boogie Woogie J (Jim Hardy) left hard and cleared for the early lead by the quarter in :26.1. But not content in third, Miki U So Fine (Nick Graffam) pulled early and gained the lead in front of the stands before the half.

At that point Unwritten Rule (Bruce Ranger) was sitting fourth but came second over behind Stop Staring (Shawn Gray) who was motoring towards the leader as the group hit three-quarters in 1:24.1. Stop Staring was running down Miki U So Fine while Unwritten Rule tipped three-deep around both as they headed into the lane. Unwritten Rule continued to pace away to a one length lead and won in 1:53.2.

It was the fifth win of the year for Unwritten Rule ($4.40) but the first for his new owner Anthony Ventriglio and trainer Terry Di Cicco.

UNWRITTEN RULE REPLAY

Drivers Matty Athearn and Kevin Switzer Jr. joined Bruce Ranger registering two wins on Thursday.

Live racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday (May 5) with post time at 4 p.m. Free downloadable programs are available here.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts