Last season's top pacers, a healthy mix of native New Englanders, along with stables returning from other parts of the country, make up the first draws of the 2015 season at Plainridge. Fans will be treated to a newly renovated racing and simulcasting area that becomes the first step of a new era for harness racing in New England at Plainridge Park Casino.
Opening day at the Massachusetts track takes place this coming Wednesday (April 15) with a 4:00 P.M. post time. The nine race card is headlined by the return of Burkentine Hanover, the fastest pacer at Plainridge in 2014. Trained and driven by Jim Hardy, Burkentine Hanover is the likely morning line favorite in the $6,000 open event. Three challengers – Wheelaway, Western Victory and Trigger Finger – all notched multiple victories in the top class at Plainridge last season.
Perennial training and driving leaders such as Hardy, Steve Nason and Mike Eaton might face challenges from a pair of Maine horsemen returning to action at Plainridge. Ron Cushing, currently the top conditioner at Scarborough Downs, makes his seasonal debut on Thursday as well as Kevin Switzer Jr., who was the top driver in the PineTreeState in 2014 scheduled to drive on both Wednesday and Thursday. Eddie Davis Jr. is also slated to drive on the meet's initial programs.
Within the past few days several trainers from outside the six state region have arrived in the area, including Shawn Answeeney (New York), Bryce Fenn (Florida) and Scott Rollins (New Jersey).
The spring schedule at Plainridge features racing on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons at 4:00 P.M., and also on Sunday afternoons at 1:00 P.M. On June 24th Plainridge Park Casino, the state's first gaming facility, will open its doors to the public.