Encryption sets mark with late surge

Plainville, MA — A pair of $13,000 conditioned events for 5-year-old and under pacers topped the card at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (April 14) and one of the winners posted a new lifetime mark.

The fastest of the two divisions was won by Encryption, who went from worst to first in an eighth of a mile.

Encryption (Bruce Ranger) got away last as the leaders of the race changed positions at every quarter. Show Respect (Matty Athearn) had the point first heading to the quarter before Montana GB (Kevin Switzer Jr.) took control heading to the half. But before reaching that station, Chakra (Brad Irvine) swooped to the lead as they turned onto the backstretch. That was where Montana GB made his way back to the top before heading into the final bend.

At that point, Encryption was still last and with the best view, but Ranger put him in play on that turn. He moved him three-wide around horses in anticipation where his best position would be. Once clear in the lane, Encryption made one run for the lead and bolted past the entire field to move ahead at the line by 1-1/4 lengths and win in a lifetime best, 1:52.4, that included a snappy :27.4 closing panel.

ENCRYPTION REPLAY

It was the second consecutive career effort for Encryption ($12.20), who is owned by Capital Racing and trained by Rob Harmon.

Earlier in the first division, Ladysassin made her first start of the year a winning one.

Ladysassin (Matty Athearn) grabbed the lead off the gate before releasing the parked-out One Eyed Delilah (Drew Monti) to the front as they passed the :27.1 quarter. But Athearn was right back at it with Ladyassasin, who reclaimed control in front of the stands.

From there, Ladyassasin stepped to the half in :57 and three-quarters in 1:25.4 before heading into the final turn. With none of the trailers having any answers from there, Ladysassin cruised home on top by 4-½ lengths and won in 1:54.

LADYASSIN REPLAY

Ladysassin ($3.00) is owned by her trainer Mike Eaton, in partnership with Robert Griffin.

Ladysassin was only one of four wins for Athearn, who registered a four-bagger during the afternoon including a natural hat trick in races four, five and six. Athearn also won with Odds On King Cobra ($19.60), Flying Finn N ($27.60) and Whata Foolbelieves ($5.00).

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Thursday (April 16) 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 Plainridge Park