Competitive racing and standout performances continue at Plainridge Park

Monday (April 27)
Sweet Hayley Jane A (Ron Cushing) captured the $25,000 Open Handicap for fillies and mares in impressive fashion, scoring by three-quarters of a length in a lifetime-best 1:51.1. The mare, owned by Ron Cushing in partnership with Kevin Sywyk and trained by Heidi Cushing, delivered the fastest mile of the day.

The co-featured $17,000 upper-level distaff pace went to Wunderkindbluechip (Mitchell Cushing), who surged late and held off a fast-closing Royally Hot (Kevin Switzer Jr.) to win by a quarter length in 1:52.2. It marked the first win of the season for the heavily favored mare, who is owned by Ray Laksky and trained and driven by Cushing.

Mitchell Cushing and Jay Randall each recorded driving doubles on the card, while 11 different trainers accounted for wins. Sweet Street Lou (Jay Randall), trained by Dale Andersen, posted the second-fastest mile of the day in 1:51.2.

Tuesday (April 28)
Handlelikeaporsche (Nicholas Graffam) pulled off a major upset in the $25,000 Open Handicap pacing feature, rallying three-wide down the stretch to score by a half-length in 1:51 at odds of 21-1. The winner returned $45.40 and is owned by Pollack Racing and trained by Melissa Beckwith. What’s Stanley Got A (Cory Stratton) finished second, followed by Vicious (Kevin Switzer Jr.).

In the $22,000 Open II pace, Borninlockdown GB (Kevin Switzer Jr.) went straight to the front and never looked back, cruising to a two-length victory in 1:51. The winner, returning $3.40, is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi and trained by Joe Nelson.

Drivers Matthew Athearn, Nicholas Graffam, and Kevin Switzer Jr. each recorded driving triples on the program. Trainers Gretchen Athearn and Joseph Nelson both posted training doubles. Nelson scored with Montana GB ($2.60) and Borninlockdown GB, while Athearn visited the winner’s circle with Justa Little Bit A ($7.00) and Confederatestar N ($3.80).

The nightcap produced a massive longshot, as JL’s Rock Star (Nicholas Graffam) upset the field at $82.20 for trainer Brian Lamb. Patrikthepiranha A (Drew Monti) finished second, with Bang Ah Uey (James Hardy) completing the trifecta. The $2 exacta returned $579.80, while the $1 trifecta paid $2,410.80.

Saturday (May 2)
Brandon Blvd (Dexter Dunn) made his 2026 debut a winning one, cruising to victory in the Grade 3 $100,000 Paul Revere Pace. Turning for home, Brandon Blvd drew clear and finished the job with ease, winning by 2¾ lengths in 1:51.1.

The heavily backed favorite ($2.10) notched his eighth career win in just 11 starts, pushing his lifetime earnings to $439,397 for owner Punisher 11 Stable. The Crawford Farms-bred colt is trained by Andrew Harris.

Matthew Athearn, Nicholas Graffam, and Todd Whitney each recorded driving doubles on the card. Trainer Michelle Lefebvre also posted a training double, scoring with Hippo Hanover ($16.60) and Mystic Moment ($3.00), both driven by Whitney.

Driver & Trainer Standings (After 3 Weeks)
Matthew Athearn continues to lead the driver standings with 23 wins. Kevin Switzer Jr. sits second with 14 victories, while Jay Randall and Nicholas Graffam are tied for third with nine wins each. Mitchell Cushing is close behind with eight wins.

On the training side, Cory Stratton and Gretchen Athearn are tied for the lead with seven wins apiece. Jimmy Nickerson and Enrico Robinson are right behind, tied with five wins each.

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