Athearn stays hot, Stars shine across three cards

The second week of the 2026 meet at Plainridge Park delivered standout harness racing performances, dominant drives, and a pair of notable longshot upsets across three competitive race cards.

Monday (April 20)
For the second consecutive week, For Once Inmy Life (Bruce Ranger) went coast-to-coast to capture the $25,000 Open Handicap Pace in impressive fashion. The pacer stopped the clock in a swift 1:50.3, the fastest mile of the day, and returned $4.40. The winner is owned by Winters Racing and trained by Cory Stratton.

Matty Athearn led all drivers with a triple on the card, while Stratton matched that total on the training side, sending out three winners, including one he drove himself. Kevin Switzer Jr. recorded a driving double with Warrawee Yale ($4.80), and Solesseo Matuca A ($6.00) took the nightcap, completing the double.

The biggest upset of the day came in Race 6, where Boyd Bay (Drew Monti) lit up the toteboard at $44.40.

Tuesday (April 21)
Chakra (Matty Athearn) delivered a dominant performance in the feature, drawing away to a 6-1/4 length victory in 1:54, a new seasonal mark. The mare paid $2.10 and is owned by her trainer Mark Eaton in partnership with Robert Griffin.

Athearn continued his strong week with a driving triple, also scoring with Quite Beachy ($36.40) and Lyon’s Shining ($6.40). Jay Randall matched that feat with three wins of his own, including longshot victories with Gabe Hanover ($25.40) and Wichita Lineman ($31.20), both trained by James Dunn, who recorded a training double. Randall completed his hat trick with South Street Dottie ($7.40).

Nicholas Graffam also had a driving double, winning with Chasing Dudes ($4.80) and Crimson Pine ($20.00), both trained by Michael Graffam, who also posted a training double on the card.

Thursday (April 23)
In the $25,000 Open Handicap Trot, Resolve To Win (Bruce Ranger) scored his 29th career victory, holding off A New Leader, who finished second.

In the $17,000 co-feature, Mocha Java (Jay Randall) went gate-to-wire and held off Balenciaga (Matty Athearn) by a quarter-length in 1:54.3. It marked the second straight victory for Mocha Java ($4.00), who is owned by Harmon Racing and trained by Rob Harmon.

Two longshot winners highlighted the card, as Majestic Dutchess (Kevin Switzer Jr.) shocked the opener at $60.80 for trainer K. William Krikorian, while Double Account (Nicholas Graffam) upset Race 8 at $30.60 for trainer Enrico Robinson.

Drivers Matty Athearn and Jay Randall each recorded doubles on the card, while trainers Rob Harmon and Enrico Robinson also posted two wins apiece.

Week 2 Standings
After two weeks of racing, Matty Athearn has surged ahead in the driver standings with 17 wins, well clear of Kevin Switzer Jr. (9). Mitchell Cushing and Jay Randall are tied for third with six wins each.

On the training side, Cory Stratton leads with six wins, while Gretchen Athearn and Jimmy Nickerson are tied for second with five victories apiece.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday, April 27, with a 4:00 p.m. post time. A $10,528 carryover in the Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta wager will be featured in Race 6.

Fans can access the FREE online program all season long by visiting plainridgeparkharnessracing.com and clicking the “Free Program” tab.

By Glen McNeil for the Harness Horseman’s Association of New England, Inc