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Welcome to this week’s Maryland Standardbred Industry update!
It’s been an action-packed week on the track, featuring dramatic finishes, and dominant driving performances. Here is your recap of the biggest highlights from Monday and Thursday night’s cards.
Monday Highlight: Layton Hanover Guts Out Open Handicap Win
After narrowly missing the mark last week, Layton Hanover found redemption in Monday’s $12,000 Open Handicap Pace with a gritty 1:52.3 victory.
Driven by Roger Plante Jr., the Andrew Fulton-trained pacer launched an extended first-over grind with a lap to go. Pressing the 1-2 favorite, Spring Blake, through middle fractions of :55.4 and 1:23.3, Layton Hanover dueled through the far turn before finally putting the favorite away with 40 yards to go to win by a half-length. Sheer Terror rallied off live second-over cover to force a dead heat for second with Spring Blake.
Monday Notes:
- Winning Payout: Layton Hanover paid $5.00 to win as the 3-2 second choice.
- Driver of the Night: Roger Plante Jr. led the 13-race card with a driving hat trick, securing additional wins with Levi At Play (1:54.3) and Gandalf The Bay (1:53.4).
Roger Plante driving Layton Hanover winning the $12,000 Open Handicap Pace by half a length at Rosecroft Raceway.
Thursday Highlight: Drama in the Distaff Feature
Thursday night’s $9,000 distaff pacing feature delivered double the excitement with a shared trip to the winner’s circle.
Longshot Phoenix Rising (sent off at 19-1 and driven by Corey Braden) did the heavy lifting, advancing first-over against early leader Oh Ophelia. Phoenix Rising edged clear off the final corner, but 1-5 favorite Peace Talks (driven by Jonathan Roberts) found her fastest gear in mid-stretch after fanning off live cover. The two mares hit the wire at the exact same moment, resulting in a dead heat victory in 1:54.2.
Thursday Notes:
- Winning Payouts: Peace Talks paid $2.10, while Phoenix Rising returned a handsome $9.20.
- Driver of the Night: It was a massive night for Jonathan Roberts, who racked up five driving wins on the card! In addition to Peace Talks, Roberts scored victories with Wise Professor, Villannah, Judge Bob, and Miss Chantilly.
Phoenix Rising, driven by Corey Braden, and Peace Talks, driven by Jonathan Roberts, cross the wire in a photo finish to share victory in the $9,000 Distaff at Rosecroft Raceway.
Looking Ahead:
Don’t Miss Monday’s Action!Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Monday, February 16.
- First Post: 7:15 p.m. (EST)
- 13 thrilling races
- Jackpot Hi-5: Don’t miss the final race of the night, featuring a massive $14,378.42 carryover in the 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5!
See you at the track!
