Seasonal mark taken in Plainridge feature

Plainville, MA — Big Box Hanover (Uncle Peter) failed to win at Plainridge Park in six previous harness racing attempts this year, but that changed on Thursday (July 18) when the 7-year-old gelding took a seasonal mark while winning the $20,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at The Ridge.

Remember Titans (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was the commander of fractions after he out-muscled Malibu Kid (Nick Graffam) to the quarter in :26.4. But as soon as Remember Titans seated, Malibu Kid came right back out to regain the lead. After passing the half, Bluffiner (Mike Stevenson) pulled first-over on Malibu Kid while Big Box Hanover (Larry Stalbaum) stayed on the pegs and followed from fourth and they moved up the backstretch.

Heading around the last turn, Malibu Kid shook off Bluffiner and Big Box Hanover was raging with trot right on his back. At the top of the lane, Malibu Kid started the drive for the line while Big Box Hanover found room along the pylons and finally got into gear. Stalbaum threw him the lines and Big Box Hanover trotted right past Malibu Kid and won by one length in 1:54.1.

It was the fourth win of the year for Big Box Hanover ($19.80) who is owned and trained by his driver, Stalbaum.

BIG BOX HANOVER REPLAY

Enola (Resolve) with driver Nick Graffam became the winningest horse of the current Plainridge meet after taking the $17,000 conditioned trot for 6-year-olds and under in gate to wire fashion.

Cruising Tom (Matty Athearn) led to the quarter, but Graffam got Enola out and moving and took the top before the half. Enola got to three-quarters in 1:25.4 before rounding the last bend with Mocha Java (Jay Randall) outside, applying heavy pressure. But as they headed down the stretch, Enola turned back Mocha Java as well as a late charge from the pocket-sitting Cruising Tom to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:55.1.

Enola ($5.60) got her eighth win of the year, six of which were at Plainridge, for owners Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi and trainer Joe Nelson.

ENOLA REPLAY

Enola was only one of three winners for Nick Graffam on Thursday. He also scored with Namesmuscle (1:56.2, $6.40) and Happy Hooligan (1:57.1, $3.60) to get the hat trick while 11 different trainers each scored one win apiece.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Sunday (July 21) when the track will host the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot and accompanying $100,000 Clara Barton Distaff Pace starting at 2 p.m. Some of the best horses in North America will be in the Bay State to compete on the biggest day of racing of the summer at The Ridge with all purses for the card totaling more than $600,000.

Free programs for Spirit of Massachusetts day, as well as every race day at Plainridge Park, are available here under the “racing” tab.

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

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts