Sandpiper N is a six-year-old New Zealand-bred pacer who was unraced down under. But since making his first lifetime start in the U.S. on May 16, the son of Somebeachsomewhere hasn’t missed a cheque and is currently on a four-race win streak after taking the $15,000 feature at Plainridge Park on Tuesday afternoon (June 20).
Nick Graffam took Sandpiper N off the gate and settled in fourth while A Deals A Deal and Dempsey Hanover traded leads during the first three-eighths of the mile. Dempsey Hanover set up shop on the point going by the half until A Deals A Deal left the pocket to take command while Out To Get Lucky made his way to second outside at the five-eighths. Sandpiper N was following Out To Get Lucky second-over and this threesome paced in close quarters around the last turn. As they turned for home, Out To Get Lucky took a narrow lead over A Deals A Deal, but Sandpiper N was barreling down the middle of the track with dead aim at both of them. Graffam worked Sandpiper N all the way to the light and passed the competition by a neck in 1:53.2.
Sandpiper N now has four wins in only five lifetime starts for owner-trainer Kathleen Brewer with $26,375 in earnings and a lifetime-best 1:52.2 mark taken just last week. This was one of two wins for both Graffam and Brewer on Tuesday. He paid $10.40 to win.
Brett Beckwith had a hot hand in the bike, winning three races during the afternoon.
Live harness racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Thursday at 4 p.m. (EDT) and there will be a $22,946 carryover in the Jackpot Wicked Hi-5 pentafecta in race six and a $487 carryover in the Pick-6 in Race 4.
(Plainridge Park)