Plainridge: It's Academic keeps Spirit Of Massachusetts crown

It's Academic became a repeat champion in the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts for older trotters on Sunday afternoon at Plainridge Park, grinding from first-over to a 1:51 2/5 win for driver David Miller and trainer Ron Burke. Burke would end up finishing first and second in the race as Chapercraz was the runner-up.

It would be a major fight for the lead in the early stages as Take All Comers (Todd McCarthy) got away well from post four but pole-sitter Logan Park (Doug McNair) protected pylon position and Chapercraz (Yannick Gingras) also pushed out before dropping behind Logan Park. That put Take All Comers in a bad spot, and he had to back off past Logan Park's lightning-quick 25 4/5 quarter but was fortunate to grab a seat in third ahead of It's Academic (David Miller).

Logan Park continued on the engine to the half in 54 1/5 and the three-quarters in 1:22 2/5, but It's Academic made steady progress into second on the outside at the latter marker and remained in that position around the final bend as well as Logan Park clung to the top spot. That would end early in the stretch drive, though, as It's Academic finally forged his way by and set sail for the wire.

After clearing, the only danger left to It's Academic was Chapercraz, as Gingras was able to fan him out into a three-wide position and he had some trot to go with the space. It wasn't enough, though, as It's Academic hit the wire a length to the good over his fellow Burke Brigade member, and Logan Park held third. Incommunicado (Brett Beckwith) couldn't keep up with It's Academic's cover but hung around to get fourth and Helpfirstedition (Scott Zeron) finished third.

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"He raced super. He'll have more weekly racing, but it's just a credit to Ronnie to have him as sharp as he was because he hasn't done much (racing) this year," Miller offered after the race. "He actually threw a step in in the first turn and I wasn't able to keep the hole closed. Take All Comers was trying to get in front of me and I finally surrendered, but he was strong enough. He can take some air when he's right, and he's a pretty tough horse.

"I was a little worried when Yannick got out. I was hoping I had enough to get him to the wire. Like I said, credit to the horse. He's just pretty game."

Miller also said that It's Academic is heading off to stallion duty following his 2024 campaign.

A 7-year-old son of Uncle Peter bred by GBW Breeding Farms Inc., It's Academic is trained by Burke for owner Brad Grant. This was It's Academic's 31st lifetime win, he has now pocketed $2,445,353 and he paid $8.00 to win as the 3-1 third choice.