Jul 27, 2018
Only Passing Thru swoops the group at Plainridge
The skies opened up and the rain came down after the first race, but the sloppy track conditions did not deter Only Passing Thru from putting in a strong performance and winning the $14,000 Winners-Over trotting feature at Plainridge Park on Thursday afternoon (July 26).
Only Passing Thru (Patrizio Ancora) got away third to Osprey Impact (Mike Stevenson) and the heavily favored Muscles Jared (Shawn Gray) who took turns leading the field past the quarter. When the dust had settled there, Muscles Jared was in command and looked strong in the position. He went down to the half in :55.4 and felt the pressure begin to build from there.
Jericho (Joe Di Stefano) came first up with Zorgwijk Nova (Drew Campbell) right behind. Only Passing Thru was now shuffled back to sixth and locked in at the rail at the three quarters in 1:24.4. Around the last turn Muscles Jared looked to be in control, but Ancora was finally able to pull Only Passing Thru from fifth and they both got to work. With six lengths to make up, Only Passing Thru fanned into the middle of the track and dug in hard. He drew even with Muscles Jared and Jericho mid-stretch and then out-dueled them to the wire to win by a head in 1:55.
It was the third win of the year for Only Passing Thru ($16.80) and owners Lindy Farms of Connecticut and Robert Rudolf. Domenico Cecere trains the winner.