Evelyn’s Fantasy beats the favorite in Rosecroft feature; Russell wins six of 13 on Saturday
FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Showing some early gate speed to secure a spot in the pocket, Evelyn’s Fantasy [$9.00, $3.40, $3.80] won the featured pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday evening in 1:56.0.
Driven by trainer Donnie Russell, the six-year-old Island Fantasy gelding tracked leaders Gold Comet and SA Monterosa through early quarters of 27.2 and 56.2. Russell tipped the gelding out second-over at the three-quarter pole in 1:24.4 to close with a last quarter of 31.0, winning by just over a length. Russell co-owns Evelyn’s Fantasy with Edward Needle.
Gold Comet [$8.00, $4.00] faded back to second after holding the lead in the stretch with Ken Weckstein at his lines. The four-year-old gelded son of Aces N’ Sevens paced first-over through a challenging mile to finish just behind the winner. Ken Schlotzhauer trains the gelding for owners Weckstein and Richard Rubin.
Typhoon Luther [$5.00] closed out the $232.80 trifecta for lessee-trainer Leon Harris. The eight-year-old Keystone Luther gelding, driven by Kelly Staten, was overlooked at the betting windows at 16/1 odds by post time. Typhoon Luther worked out a good trip along the rail to hit the board.
Driver Donnie Russell took nearly half of the card on Saturday in his battle for the top spot in the standings. The first race brought PH Outlaw to the top of the field in 1:57.1. Trained by Shawn Armour for owner William Emmons, the eight-year-old Happy Family gelding won by over two lengths.
Dreamlands Pony paced second-over in the fifth race to win by a head in 1:58.1. Owned and trained by Ken Schlotzhauer, the four-year-old Artiscape horse was sharp to beat the betting choice at the wire.
In the seventh race, Hi Sea sat in the pocket to score by a head in 1:59.3 for trainer Colby Hubble. Owned by Joseph Eisenhower Jr., the six-year-old Magical Mike gelding scored a perfect trip at 9/1 odds.
Despite being interfered with at the three-quarter pole, Punkin Eater drew away in the stretch in the ninth race by over three lengths. Trained by Shawn Armour for the J A C’s Success Stable, the seven-year-old Anthony P gelding stopped the timer in 1:57.1.
The tenth race brought Evelyn’s Fantasy to the winner’s circle, while Russell closed out his winning night in the 12th race with pacer Gaje. The five-year-old Misfit gelding grabbed the lead at the half to win by more than six lengths in 1:58.2. James Fortna trains for owners Allen Stoltzfus and Megan Fortna.
Live racing returns to Rosecroft this Friday, March 14th, at 6:30 p.m.
-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway