Montana GB delivers breathtaking last to first performance

Plainville, MA — Despite spotting the field a dozen lengths early, Montana GB still won easily in the featured $17,000 conditioned pace at Plainridge Park on Thursday (July 23). 

Montana GB (Nick Graffam) got away eighth from post seven and trailed the field by 11-½ lengths as Sunsational (Bruce Ranger) had a three length lead passing the quarter in :26.3. Sunsational then continued to pace on the point to the half in :54.1 and three-quarters in 1:22.3, as the pocket-sitting Lyons Honeymonster (Brad Irvine) and parked-out Makorori N (Shawn Gray) narrowed the gap to a length at that third station.

But also at that station was Montana GB, who Graffam had swung three-deep into the turn and kept him motoring through that bend before finding himself fourth at the top of the stretch. And when all heads turned for home, it was Montana GB that was in front of the field, now by 1-¾ lengths as he cruised under the line in 1:52.2 for the win.

MONTANA GB REPLAY

It was the fifth win of the year for Montana GB ($9.20), who is owned by Burke Racing and Weaver Bruscemi and trained by James Heap.

Earlier in the $15,000 conditioned pace for 4-year-olds and under, Houdini Hanover (Brad Irvine) made a first-over move from fourth at the half in chase of the front-running Colnago (Brett Beckwith), who he caught at three-quarters and passed at the top of the lane. And once he took the lead, Houdini Hanover escaped from the field, pacing clear to the line by 2-½ lengths in 1:53.1 for his first lifetime win.

HOUDINI HANOVER REPLAY

Houdini Hanover ($8.40) is owned and trained by Laura Shock.

Nick Graffam and Bruce Ranger both posted hat tricks in the bike while trainer Bill Krikorian led all conditioners on Thursday with two winners.

Racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Monday (July 27) 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