Plainridge concludes 2024 season

Plainville, MA — Friday (Nov. 29) was the final day of live harness racing at Plainridge Park for 2024 and a pair of $25,000 features headlined the getaway card of a very successful and record breaking season.

The top trot went to Marquis Lafayette (Ready Cash, Domenico Cecere), who true to style, came from behind to claim victory.

Marquis Lafayette got away sixth as his stablemate Sforza (Bruce Ranger) led the field to the quarter in :27 flat. Sforza then passed in front of the stands but then made a break before the half, leaving the pocket-sitting Snowpiercer (Brett Beckwith) to take control of the race. Snowpiercer quickly buzzed a :28.3 third panel under duress from Sea Can (Nick Graffam) and Big Box Hanover (Matty Athearn), and also Marquis Lafayette, who was moving second-over in the breeze before tipping three-wide at three-quarters.

After coming off the turn, Snowpiercer took a length advantage into the lane, but Big Box Hanover was bearing down and Marquis Lafayette was marching smartly in the middle of the track. As they drew near the wire, Snowpiercer faded just a bit and Marquis Lafayette edged out Big Box Hanover at the line to win by a neck in 1:55.3.

It was the fifth win of the year for Marquis Lafayette ($10.40) who pushed his earnings to $93,625 for owner Greathorse. Cecere, who also trains the winner, had a natural training hat trick in races seven, eight and nine.

Later in the distaff pacing feature, Swedish Starlet N (Mach Three, Matty Athearn) made every post a winning one to capture the meet’s final event of the year.

Swedish Starlet N left strong, took the lead ahead of Seaside Tina (Kevin Switzer Jr.) and then set early fractions of :27.1 and :57. At the half, Quarrel (Bruce Ranger) made a first-over move and closed to within a length of the leader at three-quarters, where Side Piece (Aaron Byron) was now second-over and Arizona (Brett Beckwith) had swung three-deep.

With the field well bunched around the final bend, Swedish Starlet N continued to dig and held her length advantage as they entered the stretch. Quarrel continued to drive outside and Seaside Tina was closing in along the pegs. But Swedish Starlet N was not to be denied as she won by a half length in 1:53.3.

It was the ninth win of the meet and 13th win overall for Swedish Starlet N ($4.80) who ran her 2024 earnings up to $197,530 for owners Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo.

Racing will resume at Plainridge Park in April of 2024. All the track management, staff, horsemen and horsewomen would like to wish everyone a very happy and healthy holiday season.

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

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts