Heinikin Bythebay, the heavy favourite, lived up to expectations by capturing the $34,722 Open Handicap Pace at Plainridge Park on Monday, November 11.
Im Sir Blake, driven by Shawn Gray, initially set the pace, reaching the first quarter in :27.1. However, Kevin Switzer Jr. quickly made a move with Heinikin Bythebay, taking the lead before the half in :56. As they approached the final turn, Lifes A Puzzle, with Drew Monti, moved into second and began challenging the leader. In a thrilling finish after three-quarters in 1:23.2, Heinikin Bythebay managed to hold off Lifes A Puzzle by a quarter-length, winning in 1:51.1. Alex Having Fun, driven by Drew Campbell, claimed third, finishing 4-3/4 lengths behind.
Owned by KDK Standardbreds and trained by Kevin Switzer, Heinikin Bythebay, a five-year-old gelding by Southwind Lynx-Sally Pansen, secured his ninth win of the year from 32 starts, paying $2.60 to win.
Earlier in the day, ER Griffin, the even-money favourite driven by Brett Beckwith, led the way in a $34,722 Massachusetts starter allowance. After seating Anvil Hands through a :27 opening quarter, ER Griffin continued to lead, reaching the half in :55.1 and three-quarters in 1:23. Rooster Bennett pressed from the outside, but ER Griffin held strong, winning by a head in 1:51.4 over a late-charging Mansome. Anvil Hands narrowly beat Rooster Bennett for third.
ER Griffin, a four-year-old gelding by Riggins-Susie Girl, is co-owned by trainer Mike Eaton, along with Bob McHugh, Robert Griffin, and Russell Young. This victory marked one of three wins for Brett Beckwith that afternoon.
Plainridge Park racing continues today, November 12, at 1 p.m., featuring a $1,940 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six.