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Rosecroft Racing Recap: Kiel’s Milestone Win, Roberts’ Back-to-Back Grand Slams & Spring Blake Repeats!

Welcome to your latest Rosecroft Raceway update! This past week of racing delivered unforgettable moments, from a rising star’s first career victory to dominant performances from our leading drivers and trainers. Plus, the wagering value at Rosecroft continues to be some of the best in the industry.

Here is your wrap-up of the best action from Thursday, March 5, and Monday, March 9.

🌟 Milestone Alert: MacKenzie Kiel Secures First Career Win

Rising harness racing talent MacKenzie Kiel marked a major career milestone on Thursday, March 5, earning her first-ever pari-mutuel victory as a driver!

In just the fourth start of her young driving career, Kiel guided Captain Terminator to the winner’s circle. The victory highlights a remarkably rapid transition to the professional ranks, coming less than a month after she earned her provisional driving license on February 12. Making the win even sweeter, MacKenzie also trains Captain Terminator and co-owns the pacer with Kristen Kiel, making this a true family triumph.

🔥 Driver’s Seat: Jonathan Roberts Posts Back-to-Back “Grand” Nights

Jonathan Roberts is currently running away with the Rosecroft drivers’ table, extending his advantage with two consecutive four-win programs!

  • Thursday’s Slam: Roberts kicked off his massive week with four wins on Thursday, highlighted by steering the 11-year-old gelding Judge Bob to his third consecutive victory (and 53rd career win) in the $10,000 upper-level conditioned trot for trainer William “Bib” Roberts.
  • Monday’s Slam: Roberts followed up with another four-win night on Monday, including two victories with horses co-owned by his Kiwi Stables LLC (Odds On Valhalla and Freaky Feet Beast).

Roberts’ spectacular week gives him 24 wins at the current meet, putting him comfortably ahead of Roger Plante Jr. (20) and Russell Foster (18) in the standings.

🐎 Top Horses & Trainers: Spring Blake Repeats in Open Handicap

Monday’s $12,000 Open Handicap Pace saw the heavily favored Spring Blake live up to all expectations.

Driven by Russell Foster, the 5-year-old ridgling stalked Layton Hanover’s live cover up the backstretch before switching three-wide in the homestretch and switching gears to win by a widening 1-1/2 lengths in 1:52.

Trainer Standings Update: Johnny Crites Jr. owns and trains Spring Blake, and the victory was one of three on Monday’s card for his stable. Crites currently sits atop the winter-spring meet training standings with 17 wins, leading Michael Hall (13) and Jerry Nock (10).

💰 Bettor’s Corner: It Pays to Play at Rosecroft

Rosecroft continues to be a “diamond in the rough” for handicappers this winter-spring meet! Here are the latest wagering highlights:

  • Industry-Low Favorites: Through the first six weeks, Rosecroft boasts an industry-low 37.4% strike rate for favorites and a healthy average field size of 8.47.
  • Upsets & Payouts: Thursday night featured a 7-1 upset by Phoenix Rising in the top-level distaff pace, and the late 50-cent Pick-4 returned a handsome $643.20 (well above the season’s $217.50 median dividend).
  • Strong Handle: Monday’s total all-sources handle reached $353,800, the third-highest of the current meet.

🌸 Save the Date: “Grit and Grace” Night!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 26, 2026! Rosecroft will be hosting a special“Grit and Grace”night, featuring a thrilling all-women drivers exhibition race. It will be a fantastic evening celebrating the incredible women in harness racing. Stay tuned—more  information and details are coming soon!

📅 Looking Ahead: Thursday, March 12

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft this Thursday, March 12.

  • First Post: 7:15 p.m. (EDT)
  • Jackpot Hi-5 Carryover: We are rolling into Thursday with a massive $34,429.39 carryover offered in the final race!
  • Free Resources: As always, free past performance pages, the Players’ Guide tip sheet, and live/archived video are available at rosecroft.com.

See you at the track!