Turn The Page N wins third straight Open

Plainville, MA — Turn The Page N (Vincent) made an early move for the lead and then closed the book on her field of harness racing rivals for the third consecutive time in the $25,000 Open Handicap distaff pace at Plainridge Park on Monday (Sept. 9) afternoon.

Turn The Page N (Ron Cushing) left from the handicapped post eight and dropped in third as Swedish Starlet N (Matty Athearn) led the field to the quarter in :27.2.

But Cushing had Turn The Page N out and rolling early and they took over in front of the stands, heading to the half.

From there it was all Turn The Page N, who had a gapped advantage at three-quarters in 1:22.2 before rounding the last turn and pacing home all by herself, on top by 3-½ lengths in a lifetime best,1:50 flat.

It was the fourth North American win and sixth overall win this year for Turn The Page N ($2.80) who is owned by her driver Ron Cushing, in partnership with Kevin Sywyk. Heidi Cushing trains the winner.

TURN THE PAGE N REPLAY

There were also a pair of $16,000 conditioned paces on the card.

In the first, Major Decision (Heston Blue Chip, Shawn Gray) took the lead past the half, remained in control from there and bested the full field by 1-½ lengths in 1:52.2, tying his lifetime mark.

Major Decision ($4.20) is owned by Dyce and Elizabeth Spalluto and Alicia Gray, who also trains the gelding.

MAJOR DECISION REPLAY

It was one of three driving wins for Shawn Gray and one of two training wins for Alicia Gray, who both topped their respective categories on Monday.

The second $16,000 event was a 1-¼ mile race where Seaside Tina (Kevin Switzer Jr.) was commander of fractions from start to finish. She set quarters of :28, :57.4, 1:26.4, 1:55 before winning by 1-¾ lengths in 2:23.

It was the sixth win of the year for Seaside Tina ($4.20) who is owned by her trainer Mark Eaton, in partnership with Robert Griffin.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (Sept. 10) at 2 p.m.