Plainville, MA — After never being in contention from an impossible spot last week, Therewasthisgirl (So Surreal) bounced back in a big way to win the $25,000 Winners-Over harness racing pacing feature for fillies and mares at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 10).
Wahs Fire Bug N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was the first to lead the scratch-shortened field of five and got the girls to the quarter in a tailored swift :26.3. Therewasthisgirl (Nick Graffam) had a pocket journey lined up but was not content, and pulled in front of the stands to take command before the half. Therewasthisgirl hastened the group to three-quarters with a :27.3 backside sprint and had no serious threat looming from behind. When they reached the top of the stretch, Wahs Fire Bug N tipped to try and advance, but she drifted wide and did not gain ground so Therewasthisgirl cruised across the line on top by a length in 1:51.1.
THEREWASTHISGIRL REPLAY
It was the third win in the last five starts and fifth win overall this year for Therewasthisgirl ($9.00) who is owned by the George Ducharme Stable and Heather Marshall. George Ducharme trains the winner.
The $20,000 Winners-Over undercard pace went to Hilaria (Cheyenne Hollywood, Mike Stevenson), who upset the field with a first-over move at three-quarters that gave her a lead she would not relinquish en route to a 1:53.2 victory.
Hilaria ($33.20) is owned and trained by Ralph Andersen.
HILARIA REPLAY
Drivers Matty Athearn and Heath Campbell each had two wins on Tuesday. Campbell’s charges were both trained by Valerie Grondin who led all trainers during the proceedings.
Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday (Oct. 12) at 2 p.m. and there will be a $31,293 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager in race six.
For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.
by Tim Bojarski, for Plainridge Park