Anvil Hands hammers home in Baystate special

Plainville, MA — Driver Jim Hardy and harness racing trainer Jolene Andrews partnered to win three races on the card at Plainridge Park on Friday (Oct. 24) afternoon, including two hefty payouts and the feature of the day.

That feature was the $25,000 Baystate Trackmaster special where Anvil Hands hammered his way down the stretch to forge his fifth win of the year.

Hardy got away second with Anvil Hands behind Major Betts (Bruce Ranger) and played follow-the-leader through quarters of :27.4, :56 and 1:24. As they entered the last turn, Hardy tipped Anvil Hands, put a circle around Major Betts and was a length clear at the top of the stretch. Negotiator (Mitchell Cushing) kept things interesting with a late bid, but Anvil Hands held him at bay and won by a neck in 1:52.2.

Anvil Hands ($23.40) is owned by David Thibault, Christine Thibault, his driver Hardy and his trainer Andrews.

ANVIL HANDS REPLAY

The Hardy/Andrews hat trick was completed with wins by Boogy Woogy J (1:54.3, $39.60) and Roaring Kitty (1:53.4, $5.40).

The $20,000 Baystate Trackmaster special was won by Mansome (Ronald Cushing) who took no prisoners through quarters of :26.2, :54.2 and 1:23 before rounding turn three and heading for home, one-half length in front of Gandolf The Black (Bruce Ranger) in 1:52.3.

Mansome ($7.80) is owned by Bruce Weinstein and trained by Heidi Cushing.

MANSOME REPLAY

Driver Mitchell Cushing matched Hardy for wins as he also won three during the afternoon.

The Jackpot Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta was hit in race nine on Friday. The single unique combination of 3-7-5-1-4 returned $4,542.24 for the 20-cent wager.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday (Oct. 27) at 2 p.m.

And just a reminder, the $1.2 million finals of the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes will be held at Plainridge Park on Thursday (Oct. 30) at 2 p.m.

Free full past performance programs and race replays for all live racing days at Plainridge Park can be found at plainridgeparkcasino.com.

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

by Tim Bojarski, for Plainridge Park