Big Box Hanover takes out second straight Plainridge Open

Plainville, MA — Although he just won in this class last week, being handicapped with post eight dissuaded the bettors away from Big Box Hanover (Uncle Peter) who was sent off at 24-1 on Friday (Oct. 4) at Plainridge Park. But the post didn’t bother Big Box Hanover one bit as he easily scored his second straight harness racing win in the $25,000 Open Handicap pacing feature at The Ridge.

Steve Wilson left with Big Box Hanover and dropped in second behind Sidd Finch (Drew Campbell) who tripped the timer in :26.4 at the quarter. Just past that station, Delayed Hanover (Bruce Ranger) tipped out from third and took the lead before the :55.4 half. The race then motored up the backstretch where Wilson pulled the right line on Big Box Hanover and the pair drew alongside Delayed Hanover in the final turn. When they straightened for home, Big Box Hanover was trotting up a storm and beat the late closing Sea Can (Nick Graffam) to the line by two lengths in 1:53.2, just missing his lifetime mark by one-fifth of a second.

BIG BOX HANOVER REPLAY

It was the third win in the last four starts and seventh win of the year for Big Box Hanover ($50.40) who is owned and trained by Larry Stalbaum. It was also one of two wins on the card for Wilson.

In the $17,500 upper-level conditioned trot, Heavens Pic (Archangel) (Mitchell Cushing) also went back to back with wins after leading at every station while turning back challenges from Twoscoopsforjack (Nick Graffam) and Remember Titans (Brett Beckwith) to score by three-quarters of a length in 1:54.3.

Heavens Pic ($9.40) is owned by Jamie Marra and his trainer Mario Dessureault.

HEAVENS PIC REPLAY

Bruce Ranger had a grand slam in the bike on Friday, winning with Family Riches (1:57.3, $6.80), Murial (1:56.2, $5.20), Sforza (1:55.4, $2.60) and Motto (1:56.1, $32.00). Murial and Sforza were both trained by Domenico Cecere who led all conditioners for wins during the day.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (Oct. 7) at 2 p.m. and there will be a $6,080 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six. Also, Monday will feature Grand Circuit racing action with the $53,100 Colonial Oaks Trot and three divisions of the Wm. Reynolds Memorial Pace going for a total purse of $161,900.

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

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts