Andy Mac Hanover, driven by Matty Athearn, delivered a flawless performance to secure a 1-1/4 length victory in the $23,611 featured pace at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, November 12.
Starting from post five, Athearn settled Andy Mac Hanover behind early leader Bang Ah Uey, guided by Jim Hardy, who set the pace with a :28.1 opening quarter. The positions remained steady through a half-mile in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.3, despite a mild challenge from Swifty Run, driven by Bruce Ranger. As the field entered the stretch, Andy Mac Hanover unleashed a strong final push, overtaking Bang Ah Uey to claim the win comfortably in 1:54.3.
This marks the third victory of the season for Andy Mac Hanover, who returned $2.40 for the win. Owned by Rick Cortese and Marc Reynolds, the gelding is trained by Jimmy Nickerson.
Brett Beckwith also shone on Tuesday, achieving a driving hat trick to lead the day’s standings.
Racing continues at Plainridge Park on Thursday, November 14, starting at 1 p.m. with a $2,739 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta featured in race six, promising more thrilling action for fans.