Westbeach repeats in tight finish

Plainville, MA — In identical fashion to last week’s outing, Westbeach (Somebeachsomewhere) led at every station to claim her second straight harness racing win in the $25,000 fillies and mares Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (Aug. 3).

Bruce Ranger grabbed the front with Westbeach while Racey Rach N (Mitchell Cushing) drafted in the pocket. After reaching the half in a mild :56.2, Dandy’s Evrlasting (Matty Athearn) was sent outside from fourth and forced Westbeach to post a faster :27.2 third quarter. As they headed into the turn, Dandy’s Evrlasting’s attack waned and it became a two-horse race between Westbeach and the tripper, Racey Rach N.

The mares paced side by side while Ranger and Cushing both rocked all the way down the stretch. The battle lasted right to the line where a photo showed Westbeach hung on to victory by a nose in 1:51.3.

It was the 25th lifetime win for Westbeach ($5.80) who is trained by Ken Koch for owner William Hartt.

It was the second win of the day for Ranger.

WESTBEACH REPLAY

There were also a pair of $18,500 conditioned races on Thursday.

In the first, Issac (American Ideal) and driver Shawn Gray got parked to the quarter in :26.2 by Ucanttouchthis (Brett Beckwith), but eventually cleared and led the rest of the way.

After getting to the half in :55 and three-quarters in 1:23.2, Issac held off the stretch challenge from Ucanttouchthis and won by three-quarters of a length in 1:51.3, which was a seasonal mark.

Issac is owned by Amy Cable and is trained by Alicia Gray.

ISSAC REPLAY

Then in the second, JK’s Champ (JK Endofanera) and driver Brett Beckwith were also parked out in a :26.3 quarter before clearing to take the lead. JK’s Champ then maintained a one-length advantage through quarters of :55 and 1:23 before turning for home and extending his lead to 1-½ over Sandpiper N (Nick Graffam) to win in 1:52.

It was also the second straight win for JK’s Champ ($2.80) and owner Robert Rodriguez. Larry Stalbaum was the winning trainer.

JK’S CHAMP REPLAY

Beckwith also ended the day with two winners.

Driver Matty Athearn and trainer Jimmy Nickerson had doubles on Thursday as well.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday (Aug. 7) at 4 p.m. and there will be a $10,434 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race six.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts