Marquis Lafayette, Chapolier take Plainridge trots

Plainville, MA — As the 2023 harness racing meet winds down to its final two days, the last top trot of the season was featured at Plainridge Park on Monday afternoon (Nov. 27) and Marquis Lafayette (Ready Cash) cashed the win check that resulted from his sixth victory of the year in the $25,000 Open trot at The Ridge.

Bruce Ranger got away third with Marquis Lafayette as Enhance Yourcalm N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) led to the half in :56.1. Marquis Lafayette was put in play first-over and drew alongside the leader at three-quarters. As the race made its way around the last turn, Marquis Lafayette continued to gain ground and took the lead at the top of the stretch. From there, Ranger fed Marquis Lafayette line and he trotted away by three lengths and won in 1:54.1. Marquis Lafayette ($4.60) is owned by Greathorse and trained by Domenico Cecere.

MARQUIS LAFAYETTE REPLAY

The secondary featured $22,500 trot was won by Chapolier (Chapter Seven, Mitchell Cushing) who trailed from the start to three-quarters before making a big three-wide move into contention coming off the last turn. Heading for the line, Chapolier collared the fading Big Al M (Matty Athearn) and bolted to the line on top by two lengths in 1:55.3.

Chapolier ($20.00) is owned by William Hartt and trained by Lance Hudson.

CHAPOLIER REPLAY

Bruce Ranger and Jim Hardy both had two driving wins on Monday while nine different trainers each won one race apiece.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Nov. 28) with post time at 1 p.m. This is the final week of racing for 2023 at Plainridge Park that will wrap up on Thursday (Nov. 30).

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

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts