Checkpoint Chatter saves best for last

Plainville, MA — Following second-over in a live outer flow, Checkpoint Chatter (Always A Virgin) used her usual late kick to win the $17,000 filly and mare featured pace at Plainridge Park on Monday (June 29) afternoon.

Chakra (Matty Athearn) left sharply from post eight and was commander of fractions for most of the mile. With Wolverina (Nick Graffam) in the pocket, Chakra set fractions of :26.1 and :54.2 before Whiskey Blue Chip (Brett Beckwith) made a first-over move and gave live cover to Checkpoint Chatter (Jimmy Hardy), who gapped slightly at three- quarters.

As the race made its way off the last bend, Checkpoint Chatter was then fully underway and moved clear to the center of the track as Chakra was under a full attack. Whiskey Blue Chip was to her left and Wolverina was to her right. But on the far outside was Checkpoint Chatter, who flew past them all to win in the shadow of the wire in 1:51.2, setting a new personal season’s best.

CHECKPOINT CHATTER REPLAY

Checkpoint Chatter ($8.20) is owned by Upland Farm and trained by Don Guidette Jr.

The second top pace of the day at The Ridge was a $14,000 Trackmaster event that was won by Waterfront who put forth a lifetime best effort.

Waterfront (Drew Monti) went right to the front and was never headed from there. After posting quarters of :26.2, :56 and 1:23.1, Waterfront opened up a two-length advantage at the top of the stretch and cruised home to win in 1:50.3 and take a new lifetime mark.

Waterfront ($15.20) is owned by Bruce Weinstein and Ashley Weinstein and trained by Julia Eaton.

Drivers Matty Athearn and Brett Beckwith each had two wins while 10 different trainers won one race apiece.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (June 30) at 4 p.m.

Free full card past performance programs for every live card of racing at Plainridge Park can always be downloaded at their website (plainridgeparkcasino.com) under the “Racing” tab. You can also watch all the race replays on that same page.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

by Tim Bojarski, for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts