Little Willy comes up big at Plainridge

Plainville, MA — Grossly overlooked at 26-1, Little Willy (Up The Credit, Mitchell Cushing) took advantage of fast early harness racing fractions to strike late in the $25,000 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Monday (Nov. 4) afternoon.

There was a three-horse dash for the lead between I’m Sir Blake A (Shawn Gray), Bonniprinclouis N (Nick Graffam) and Leonidas A (Bruce Ranger) that led to a :25.3 first quarter where the latter finally settled on the point. Leonidas A then got to the half in :54 where Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) started an outer flow and was followed by Little Willy heading up the backstretch.

Leonidas A and Fourever Boy continued to battle in 1:22 at three-quarters and then around the far turn to the top of the stretch. It was there that Little Willy went wide around both, and out-legged his rivals to the line by a neck including a fast closing Naturally Gifted A (Matty Athearn) to win in 1:51.1.

It was the second win in the last three starts and seventh win overall this year for Little Willy ($54.80) who is owned and trained by Mark Beckwith.

LITTLE WILLY REPLAY

It was also one of three driving wins for Mitchell Cushing during the afternoon.

Earlier in the $25,000 Massachusetts starter allowance, Major Betts (Art Major, Drew Monti) followed second half cover to a victory in deep stretch.

Rooster Bennett (Mitchell Cushing) cut the mile and got to the half in :55.4 before Mansome (Ron Cushing) came first-over in an outer flow that included Anvil Hands (Jimmy Hardy) and Major Betts. Mansome made his way to second at three-quarters but stalled, forcing Anvil Hands to go three-deep in the turn to pursue Rooster Bennett. When the race turned for home, Monti tipped Major Betts four-wide around Anvil Hands and out-brushed everyone to the wire where he won in 1:52.1.

MAJOR BETTS REPLAY

It was the seventh win of the year for Major Betts ($9.80) who is owned and trained by Kathleen Brewer.

Kate Gerow was the leading trainer on Monday after having two horses visit the winner’s circle.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Nov. 5) at 1 p.m. and there will be a $2,102 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.

Free full past performance programs for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be downloaded from their website under the “racing” tab.

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

by Tim Bojarski, for Plainridge Park