This newsletter is paid content, sponsored and written by the Maryland Standardbred Coalition, a sponsor of The Maryland Horse Council.
Welcome to your latest Rosecroft Raceway update! This past week brought thrilling action to the Capital Region, featuring a driving grand slam, a hard-fought victory in our top pacing feature, and the exciting kickoff to our Spring Fever Claiming Series.
Here is your wrap-up of the best action from Thursday, April 2, and Monday, April 6.
🔥 Thursday Highlights: Jonathan Roberts Scores a Grand Slam
Jonathan Roberts is showing no signs of slowing down, extending his commanding lead atop the Rosecroft drivers’ table with four wins on Thursday’s card!
Roberts’s spectacular night was highlighted by a 1:53.2 victory aboard Little Instigator in the co-featured $8,500 upper-level distaff pace. Launching a first-over bid on the clubhouse turn, Roberts and Little Instigator overpowered the 2-1 favorite up the backstretch and evaded a late rally to win by a widening 2-1/2 lengths. Trained by Michael Hall and owned by William and Sarah MacMillan, the 4-1 third choice paid $10 to win.
Roberts also found the winner’s circle with Wrinklesschminkles (also for trainer Michael Hall), Dan The Man (for his father, trainer William “Bib” Roberts), and the 22-1 long shot Auntmilly’smartini (for trainer Brittany Bounds).
Driver Standings Update: Twenty days into the 33-day winter-spring stand, here is how the top five drivers stack up:
- Jonathan Roberts: 42 wins
- Roger Plante Jr.: 27 wins
- Russell Foster: 24 wins
- Frank Milby: 20 wins
- William Carter: 19 wins
Maryland-bred Dan the Man (Dover Dan x Endorphan Annie (Enjoy Lavec)) at Rosecroft on April 2.
🏆 Monday’s Open Pace: J M Mandamin Resolute in Victory
With current meet standout Spring Blake taking a well-deserved week off, Rodney Long’s J M Mandamin stepped into the spotlight and dug deep to capture Monday’s $12,000 Open Pace.
Driven by Frank Milby and trained by John Dixon, the 1-5 favorite sprinted clear early and set a comfortable pace. Down the stretch, the 10-year-old gelding faced mild pressure from Sea Of Life before absorbing a strong inside push from Layton Hanover. J M Mandamin held steadfast, securing a narrow 1:51.2 victory by a diminishing head.
The win marks the 37th career victory for J M Mandamin, pushing his lifetime earnings to $502,480.
🌸 Monday Night ‘Fever’: Claiming Series Kicks Off
The Spring Fever Claiming Series for $10,000 claiming pacers officially got underway on Monday! The opening round featured 26 entrants split into three competitive $7,500 divisions.
Congratulations to our first-round winners:
- Brother Dick (1:53.3) driven by Justin Walters
- Poseidon Deo (1:53.2) driven by Trae Porter
- Reactor Now A (1:53.1) driven by William Carter
Driver Spotlight: Justin Walters led all reinsmen on Monday with an impressive hat trick. In addition to his series win with Brother Dick, the 23-year-old driver also scored with Subban and Frontier Rollo.
Series Schedule: The Spring Fever action continues with preliminary rounds on April 13 and April 20. The top nine point earners will advance to the $11,000-added final on Monday, April 27!
MD-owned Brother Dick (JF Endofanera x Caviat Cara (Western Ideal) at Rosecroft on April 6.
📅 Next Live Racing: Thursday, April 9
Live harness racing resumes at Rosecroft this Thursday, April 9.
- First Post: 7:15 p.m. (EDT)
- The Card: 13 thrilling races, highlighted by a $12,000 Open Handicap Trot!
- Jackpot Hi-5: We are rolling into Thursday with a $2,096.06 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5.
For free past performance pages, the Players’ Guide tip sheet, and live and archived video, visit rosecroft.com.
See you at the track!
