Swedish Starlet N emerged victorious at Plainridge Park

Swedish Starlet N defied expectations from post-eight to capture the $27,397 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace at Plainridge Park.

Under the guidance of Matty Athearn, Swedish Starlet N set the pace throughout, posting a career-best mile of 1:52. Starting with a swift :27.3 opening quarter, Swedish Starlet N controlled the race, while Alittlesidehustle N (Kevin Switzer Jr.) tracked closely in second. Approaching the half, Side Piece (Drew Monti) launched a first-over challenge from sixth, rapidly closing the gap on the leader as they moved down the backstretch.

Side Piece drew alongside Swedish Starlet N, setting the stage for a gripping battle that persisted to the finish line. They reached three-quarters in 1:24.2 and matched strides around the final turn. As they straightened for home, both mares fought valiantly, but Swedish Starlet N maintained a slight edge and held off Side Piece at the wire.

The victory marked the seventh win of the year for Swedish Starlet N, owned by Tim Bojarski and Tony Gruppo. In 19 starts this season, the mare boasts a record of 7 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds, accumulating earnings of $99,635 under the guidance of trainer Jimmy Nickerson.

In the secondary featured $19,178 pace, Sweet Jeff IR (driven by Nick Graffam) tracked ER Griffin (Bruce Ranger) closely through fractions of :26.2, :54.4, and 1:23, before making a decisive move at the top of the stretch. Sweet Jeff IR surged past ER Griffin along the pylons, securing victory by a head in 1:52 and setting a new lifetime mark.

Sweet Jeff IR is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi, trained by Joe Nelson. The racing action will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday (June 27), with the first post time set for 4 p.m.