Fourever Boy takes fourth, Ranger fifth at Plainridge – US Trotting News

Fourever Boy wins fourth, Ranger takes five at Plainridge

July 1, 2024,

By Tim Bojarski for Massachusetts Standardbred Owners

Plainville, MA — The Massachusetts summer has been very good for Fourever Boy’s connections this year, as he won his fourth race of the meet by capturing the $20,000 Open Handicap at Plainridge Park on Monday (July 1) afternoon.

Fourever Boy cruised to a one-length victory over Torrid Saint A today at Plainridge Park. Photo by Tom Melanson.

Torrid Saint A (Matty Athearn) took the lead before Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) charged down the outside, imposed his will and took the lead just after the quarter lap in :26.3. The group then ran half the race in :55.2 before Ahi Sunshine (Drew Monti) went first to pick up the pace.

Fourever Boy continued to move at a steady pace on the point while Ahi Sunshine worked his way into second in the breeze as they entered the far turn. At the top of the line that challenge faded as Torrid Saint A broke away from the pocket and aimed for the leader. Torrid Saint A was in full flight and gaining ground but Fourever Boy never flinched and rode alone to the finish line to win by a length in 1:50.2.

It is the third Open victory in the last five starts for Fourever Boy ($3.20), owned by Micki Rae Stables and Tim Twaddle.

Rider Bruce Ranger had a stellar day on the bike, winning five races on the programme, including a natural hat-trick in races eight, nine and ten.

Alex Having Fun was one of five wins on the day for driver Bruce Ranger in Monday’s joint race at Ridge. Photo by Tom Melanson.

Ranger’s biggest win came in the $17,000 race with Alex Having Fun, who was the early lead before dropping times of 26, 54.1 and 1:21.4. Alex Having Fun took the lead on the final turn and as they raced toward the finish line, he held off a stumbled Gandolf The Black (Brett Beckwith) by a length to equal his career best of 1:50.

Having won his fourth time this year, Alex Having Fun ($3.20) is owned and trained by Kimberly Vafiades.

Ranger completed his five-title haul with Major Betts (1:53, $4.60), Rock Candy (1:52.1, $13.00), Quick Shot (1:52.1, $4.40) and Ucanttouchthis (1:50.3, $5.40).

Kathleen Brewer was the top trainer on Monday, winning two races on the program, both driven by Ranger.

The Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta was drawn in the ninth race and awarded an instant jackpot. The unique winning combination 4-2-9-7-3 paid $5,822.70 for a 20-cent bet.

Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Tuesday (July 2) with a 4 p.m. start.