Plainville, MA — Patience was a virtue for Nick Graffam on Friday afternoon (Sept. 20) as he waited until the right time to shake free and win the $12,000 conditioned trotting harness racing feature at Plainridge Park.
Count On Rosey (Todd O'Dea) and Hs Marcia (Drew Campbell) took turns on the lead before and after the first quarter that went in :27.4. Once seated on the point, Hs Marcia looked strong through subsequent panels of :56.1 and 1:26 flat. By that last station, Graffam pulled Happy Hooligan off the pylons and started a forward march.
Although still 2-1/2 lengths off the lead, Happy Hooligan continued to work and methodically shortened the distance between himself and Hs Marcia. Heading into the lane, Graffam continued to drive and Happy Hooligan continued to gain ground and eventually nipped Hs Marcia at the wire by a neck in 1:57.1.
Happy Hooligan ($6.80) scored his third win of the year for owner Francis Healy and Natalie Michaud. Mike Graffam trains the winner.
Graffam also scored a driving double with Shorething Fashion ($4.20) in the $10,500 conditioned trot after tripping-out behind Namesmuscle (Mark Athearn) who led the entire race until they hit the stretch. It was the third win in a row and fourth in the last fifth for Shorething Fashion and owners Mike Eaton and Bob McHugh. Mike Eaton trains the winner.
Drew Monti led all drivers on Friday with three wins on the card.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (Sept. 23) at 2 p.m.
By Tim Bojarski
for the Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts