Despite wind, rain and six formidable foes, Bet You overcame all adversity to capture the $20,000 Open Handicap pacing feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon.
Bet You (Kevin Switzer, Jr.) got away fifth in line of the single-file group chasing the :26.3 quarter set by Opus Blue Chip (Bruce Ranger). Positions remained the same until Switzer pulled Bet you moving towards the half and advanced in the breeze first-over from there. Opus Blue Chip remained the dictator of fractions with no one able to gain ground as the race was rolling up the backside.
After passing the three-quarters in 1:23.4, Bet You, who had been lagging on advancement, started to reel in Opus Blue Chip and by the top of the stretch looked him in the eye and then went right by. Bet You was in full flight in the stretch and paced away to a 1-3/4 length win over a fast-closing Calvin B (Mitchell Cushing) to win in 1:52.3.
It was the seventh win of the year for Bet You ($11.20) who has now earned $86,310 for owner Scott Dillon. Joe Nelson trains the winner.
In the $10,500 conditioned pacing undercard, Rockin Cougar (Nick Graffam) won his second straight race in an upset after making a bold three-wide move at the three-quarters to collar Ben N Crosby (John Nason) by a neck at the wire in 1:55.2.
Rockin Cougar ($28.20) is owned by Diane Hellen and trained by Mike Graffam.
Rockin Cougar was one of three wins on the card for Nick Graffam who led all drivers on Thursday with a hat trick.
Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Friday. Please note that starting with Friday's card, post time will be at 1 p.m. and remain at that time for the entire month of November. The Plainridge meet runs through Friday (Nov. 29).
(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)