MidAtlanticHarness.com

 Welcome to MidAtlanticHarness.com, your new home for everything to do with harness racing on the eastern seaboard.

Read the rest of this entry »

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – The longest shot on the board, Imperious [$57.80, $12.40 $3.60], won the $4,200 featured pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday with ease in 1:54.3.

Driven by Wayne Long, the six-year-old Glowing Tribute gelding sat in the pocket through early quarters of 27.0 and 57.0. Long asked the gelding for more near the three-quarter pole in 1:25.1, and Glowing Tribute responded, closing in 29.1 to beat the field by a length and a half. Roger Hans trains the gelding for owner Tom Cooke.

Instigator [$2.80, $2.10] finished second after coming from nearly eight lengths off of the pace. Driven well by Chris Offutt, the eight-year-old Presidential Ball gelding was strong through the middle half of the mile. Bib Roberts trains for the Graham Grace Stables LLC.

Third were Bucktown Badboy [$2.20] and driver Timmy Offutt. The duo, off at even-money odds, were parked through the middle half and ran into minor interference around the three-quarter pole. The six-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding, owned and trained by Doc Davison Jr., paced in a respectable 1:55.0 despite the trouble.

The trifecta returned $247.20.

Reinsman Frank Milby won seven of 12 races on Saturday evening, proving why he holds the top spot in the driver standings.

Blue Boy won the third race, a non-winners pace, in 1:54.4 by six lengths. The three-year-old Real Artist gelding, trained by ‘Bib’ Roberts, was extremely impressive on the front end.

Milby came back in the fifth race with Paradusho N, an 11-year-old veteran mare by Road Machine. Trained by George Bartlett, the mare paced first-over to win in 1:55.4.

In the sixth race, Allamerican Solo was best in 1:56.0 on the pace. The trainee of Ron MacArthur, a three-year-old Western Hanover gelding, came second-over to secure the lead before the three-quarter pole.

Milby continued to dominate the track in the seventh race, driving Mister Bruinski to a win in 1:57.3 on the pace. Roger Hans trains the five-year-old Glowing Tribute gelding.

In the eighth, Bootmaker scored a four-length win in 1:54.4. The five-year-old Badlands Hanover gelding, trained by George Bartlett, paced confidently off of the gate from post seven for a wire-to-wire trip.

Milby took the last two races; the 11th featured Man He Can Go, a five-year-old Masterman gelding trained by Brian Callahan. The gelding paced gate to wire in 1:55.3, winning by just over a length. In the 12th race, Country Rogue N stayed on the front, winning by a neck in 1:57.0 on the pace. Shawn Hanley trains the nine-year-old Falcon Seelster gelding.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Driver Kelly Staten guided Nicoles Scooter [$13.80, $11.00, $4.00] to the winner’s circle in the $4,200 featured distaff pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Friday, winning by a length and three quarters in 1:55.3.

Leaving the gate from the rail position, the four-year-old Real Artist mare sat fourth through an opening quarter of 27.3. Staten took the mare out first-over in a confident bid, pacing through middle fractions of 57.2 and 1:26.0. Owned and trained by Gerald Kelly, Nicoles Scooter fended off the betting favorite in the stretch to reward her fans at the windows.

Dig Alittle Deeper [$3.40, $3.20], the even-money choice by post time, finished second after cutting the early portion of the mile. With Frank Milby at her lines, the four-year-old daughter of Nuclear High held on with a 30.0 last quarter. Roger Hans trains for owner Tom Cooke.

Third in the $59.40 trifecta were You Diehl [$3.00] and driver Eddie Dennis. Co-owned by Richard Smith and trainer Ron MacArthur, the five-year-old Western Ideal mare came from several lengths off of the pace to hit the board.

Driver John Wagner took five of 11 races on Friday night, showing that he is still one of the best on the Maryland circuit. In the second race, Modern Marvel trotted wire-to-wire in 1:57.1 to win by a neck for trainer Manley Brown Jr. Wagner owns the six-year-old Self Possessed gelding.

The third race featured Winning Women, a sophomore Riverboat King filly owned by Pamela Wagner. After being more than 11 lengths off of the leader at the first quarter, Winning Women scored a length victory in 2:00.1 on the pace.

Deere Callie won by half a length on the trot in race seven despite breaking stride at the start of the mile. Owned by Lloyd Gilmour, the three-year-old Emile Angus filly recovered well to make up around seven lengths through the back half of the mile.

It’s The Law went gate-to-wire in the ninth race, pacing to a two-and-a-half length win in 1:59.0. Owned and trained by Gerald Kelly, the three-year-old Western Hero colt was the betting choice and closed the deal with a 29.2 final quarter.

In the 11^th event, Our Rotten Ruby won by half a length on the pace in 1:57.2. The seven-year-old Doctor Of Style mare, owned by Michael Ternisky, gained the lead after an opening quarter of 29.0.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – As the even-money choice by post time, Goodbye Daddy [$4.20, $2.80, $2.10] trotted gate-to-wire in the $4,200 Winner’s Over event at Rosecroft Raceway on Friday night, scoring his first victory of the season.

Driven by owner Frank Milby, Goodbye Daddy took the lead off of the gate, trotting through fractions of 28.1, 59.2 and 1:29.0 to win in 1:58.1. Don Milby trains the six-year-old Master Lavec gelding, which has banked around $122,000 lifetime to date.

Four Starz Eye Van [$3.60, $2.60], parked to the quarter after leaving the gate from post seven, finished second – only a length and a quarter off of the winner. Driven by Jonathan Roberts for owner-trainer Billy Hobbs, the five-year-old Yankee Glide horse trotted to the wire with a 29.1 last quarter.

Eagle Road [$3.00] closed out the $149.00 trifecta with Victor Kirby at his lines. Owned and trained by Andrew Markano, the five-year-old CR Commando gelding sat in the pocket for a perfect trip.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Overlooked at 12/1 odds by post time, Armbro Ben [$26.40, $12.60, $5.00] earned a win in the $6,000 Open pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday evening.

Driven by Corey Braden for trainer Mark Clark, the seven-year-old son of The Panderosa sat fifth along the rail through early quarters of 27.4 and 56.2. Braden tipped the horse out second-over behind Sonny (Kelly Staten) to hit the three-quarter pole in 1:25.0. Armbro Ben, racing for the Anne McDonald LLC 2, topped the field by a length and a half in 1:54.4.

Instigator [$6.60, $4.60] came off the pace as well to finish second with Jonathan Roberts in the sulky. The eight-year-old Presidential Ball gelding followed Armbro Ben to the wire with a 29.1 last quarter. The gelding races for the Graham Grace Stables LLC.

Third under the wire was morning line favorite Sonny [$2.40], driven by Kelly Staten. The five-year-old No Nukes gelding, trained by Stan Hathaway, Jr. for owner George LaGrutta, paced first-over to the wire to close out the $1,838.60 trifecta.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Continuing her undefeated 2008 season, Art’s Pretty Lady [$5.20, $2.80, $113.00] scored her seventh consecutive triumph in the distaff Open pace for $6,000 at Rosecroft Raceway on Friday.

Driven by Frank Milby from post position four, Art’s Pretty Lady was parked through an opening quarter of 27.3. Taking the lead before the half in 56.2, the five-year-old Arturo mare paced confidently through a remaining fraction of 1:24.0 for a final time of 1:53.1. Connie Kamit trains the sharp mare for owners Susan Chytla and Nicholas Kamit.

After holding the lead to the first quarter, Drivin’ Miss Rudee [$4.00, $54.00] finished second with Donnie Russell in the sulky. The six-year-old Walton Hanover mare finished just over three lengths off of the winner for co-owners William Camp and John Sumner, who also trains.

Third under the wire were Double Flip [$30.40] and Corey Braden at 11/1 odds. The four-year-old daughter of Badlands Hanover paced second-over to hit the board with a 28.4 last quarter. Manley Brown Jr. trains the mare for owners John Wagner and the Winbak Farm.

The trifecta paid $81.40.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – The $6,000 Open pace brought Mattjestic Art [$11.00, $4.60, $3.60] to the winner’s circle with a confident mile in 1:54.3 at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday.

Racing for owner Marvin Callahan, the seven-year-old Artiscape gelding grabbed the lead off of the gate from post position six for an opening quarter of 28.0. With Frank Milby in the sulky, Mattjestic Art settled back into second behind Instigator (Jonathan Roberts) through middle fractions of 57.1 and 1:26.0 to win by a length with a last quarter of 28.1. Alvin Callahan trains the gelding, which has been consistent through his last several starts.

Holding the lead through the middle half of the mile, Instigator [$5.40, $2.60] finished second for the Graham Grace Stables LLC. Driven by Jonathan Roberts for trainer “Bib” Roberts, the eight-year-old Presidential Ball gelding was sharp through the race but was overtaken by Mattjestic Art during the last steps of the mile.

SA Monterosa [$7.00] finished third at 21/1 odds – the longest shot in the race. The seven-year-old gelded son of The Panderosa, driven by Alvin Lineweaver for the Swann connections, sat along the rail to save ground through the mile. The trifecta paid $381.80.

Frank Milby has earned top driver honors at Rosecroft Raceway, and continued his successful ways on Saturday evening by taking five horses to the winner’s circle.

Fuzzy Sylberun paced wire-to-wire in the first event, winning by over three lengths in 1:54.0. Brian Callahan trains the eight-year-old J B Stena gelding for himself and the Love Of My Life Stable.

In the second race, Perfect Magic was unbeatable on the front end, pacing to victory in 1:55.1. The five-year-old Bettor’s Delight horse races for owner Tom Cooke and trainer Roger Hans.

Mattjestic Art won the sixth race, while Milby piloted Blissfull Ball to the top in the 10^th race. The six-year-old Blissfull Hall gelding paced gate-to-wire in 1:55.3 for the Callahan connections.

In the 11^th race, a pace, Newfound Yankee won by a nose in 1:59.0 for owner Gary Botsch. David Kelly trains the seven-year-old Electric Yankee gelding.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Despite running into minor interference at the start of the mile, Art’s Pretty Lady [$4.20, $2.40, $2.10] easily won her sixth consecutive race in the fillies and mares Open pace for $6,000 at Rosecroft Raceway on Friday.

The five-year-old daughter of Arturo gained the lead at the start of the mile under the guidance of driver Frank Milby to cut fractions of 28.1, 58.0 and 1:27.0. Holding a two-length lead through much of the race, Art’s Pretty Lady stopped the timer in 1:55.2 with a last quarter of 28.2. Connie Kamit trains the mare for owners Susan Chytla and Nicholas Kamit.

Gen-U-Wine Raider [$4.80, $3.20] finished second after sitting in the pocket with driver Kelly Staten in the sulky. Trained by Thomas Swann for owners Julie and Lois Swann, the seven-year-old Keystone Raider mare finished strongly with a 28.2 final quarter.

High Speed Racer [$2.40] was third under the wire at 16/1 odds by post time. The four-year-old Nuclear High mare sat along the rail for an easy trip with Donnie Russell at her lines. Roger Hans trains for owner Tom Cooke.

The trifecta paid $39.40.

Driver Wayne Long had a solid night on Friday, earning four victories over the 12-race card. Long piloted Mymymylookatherfly to the winner’s circle in the first race; the five-year-old Real Artist mare paced to victory in 1:53.4. Roger Hans trains the mare for owner Tom Cooke.

Wild Kitten won by half of a length on the pace in race nine. Overlooked at 22/1 odds, the four-year-old Life Sign mare finished in 1:57.2. Joyce Lineweaver trains the mare for owner Dorothy Conner.

In the 10^th race, a trot, Armbro Blackjack made up several lengths with a first-over trip to win in 1:59.2. Long trains and co-owns the seven-year-old Conway Hall gelding with Edward Long.

Derrylin was the betting choice in the 11^th race, and she proved herself by winning in 1:55.1. Crossing under the wire six and a quarter lengths ahead of the rest, the five-year-old Glowing Tribute mare was impressive, pacing three-wide to grab the lead. Roger Hans trains and owns the mare.

-Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Raceway

DOVER, DE — Full fields highlight the opening leg of the prestigious Classic Series at Dover Downs on Monday, April 7. The four $85,000 divisions featuring the sport’s finest four-year-old and older trotting and pacing males and females. The post position draw will be available later today.

The largest field is the Classic Distaff with 11 contenders. There are 10 vying in the Trotting Classic and nine distaffs in the $85,000 Classic Oaks. The Pacing Classic boasts the fewest contenders with eight starters.

The $85,000 Pacing Classic has a star-studded field of sharp sidewheelers. In alphabetical order they are: Artistic Fella, Big Business, Casimer Camotion, Manhardt, Mr. Feelgood, Total Truth, Watta Hotshot and Western Ace. Total Truth and Western Ace are coupled as the Teague Inc. entry.

Southwind Tempo, Artcotic, Benear, Captiva Island and Elusive Prey, all with at one time a strong Delaware connection are starters in the $85,000 Classic Distaff. In alphabetical order are: Artcotic, Benear, Captiva Island, Elusive Prey, supplemental entry Enhance the Night, Ideal Weather, My Little Dragon, Southwind Tempo, Spring Break, Stylish Solution and Western Graduate.

Two-time Classic Series champion Vivid Photo is among the participants in the $85,000 Trotting Classic. Alphabetically, the field is make up by A Gentleman, American Lane, CR Dream Catcher, Enough Talk, Flamewalker, Green Day, Instant Photo, JM Vangogh, San Remo Kosmos and Vivid Photo.

Defending champion Buck I St. Pat heads the $85,000 Classic Oaks leg. Alphabetical order the entries are Brigham Dream, Buck I St. Pat, Caress The Senses, Freeze Frame, Lavec Dream, Queen Serene, Snazzy Millie, Speed N The Tunnel and Up Front Hotsey.

The four Classic Series events are part of a giant 15-race program staring the final week of the current Dover Downs meet. Closing day is Thursday, April 10 when the track’s Horse of the Meet will be presents, and leading driver and trainer awards will be rendered to Tony Morgan and Josh Green respectively.

Following Dover Downs’ opening leg next Monday, The Classic Series then moves to Mohawk Raceway, Campbellville, Ont. for the second leg on May 31. The third and last preliminary takes place on July 19 at the Meadowlands, N.J. Classic Series participants must start in a minimum of two of the three preliminary legs - all at a mile distance - to be eligible for $250,000 finals. On Saturday, July 26, The Meadowlands will host the Classic Series finals, all raced over a distance of 1-1/16th mile.

– Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs

DOVER, DE — Ball Gown A stepped up into the $32,000 Mares Open pace and recorded a lifetime fastest 1:51.4 victory at Dover Downs on Tuesday, April 1. The sport’s leading dash-win driver, Tony Morgan, won four, Eric Goodell a triple while meet leading trainer Josh Green conditioned a pair of winners.

For the third straight start Ball Gown A, owned and trained by Peter Tritton with Eric Goodell driving scored a wire-to-wire victory, this time in the week’s top distaff feature. Pacific Phllly and Eddie Davis Jr. was runner-up with Fionavar Hanover closing with Corey Callahan in the bike for third-place money. In four starts this year, the Presidential Ball seven-year-old has won times banking $42,780 in 2008.

Ireneonthemove dropped a notch in company and proved the best as Tony Morgan took the Powerful Toy five-year-old right to the front and then withstood a challenged from Lockes Of Love and Tim Tetrick in the stretch to post a 1:52 victory equaling her career fastest winning performance. Rodney Wyatt bred and owns Ireneonthemove, a winner of $48,100 this year. Trained by Jason Skinner, the former Delaware juvenile champion has now earned $464,852. lifetime.

Only Money and Teague Inc.’s Betting Machine showed her class in a $22,000 Mares pace when Jim Morand gave up the lead to Tim Tetrick-driven Famed Artist heading to the three-quarters and then came back in the stretch to earn a hard won 1:51.4 decision. Poker Mom with Corey Callahan came on to take third.

Eric Goodell, who won three races, began a two-win streak, guiding Debbie Avery’s Play At Wynn to a 1:52.1 triumph. The odds-on favorite was followed by Unn (Mike Cole) and Rafaella Seelster (Tony Morgan). The win was one of two for meet leading trainer Josh Green.

Holme In A Moment made his first winners circle appearance in the U.S. when Eddie Davis Jr. steered the New Zealand import to victory in 1:52.3 for Janice Watkinson and J&E Stable. Sport’n Cami (Corey Callahan) was next. Miler Creek Heart (Tony Morgan finished third.

Tim Tetrick put a lifetime mark on Love And Lust N, a Camtastic mare trained and owned by Tony Domino after a strong 1:52.3 victory in a $14,500 distaff pace. You’re Welcome (Roger Plante) closed along the inside for second. Camturo (Corey Callahan) was the show finisher. Tetrick had a driving double.

Lauren Allen’s Play For Real and Ross Wolfenden was strongest in the lane for a 1:53.4 win in an $11,500 Mares pace. Staying Power (Roger Plante) led until mid stretch and finished second in front of Sams Angel (Jonathan Roberts).

Sunday through Thursday racing begins at 5:30 p.m. No live racing this Friday and Saturday. The Dover Downs meet ends on April 10. There is no charge for parking or admission. Reservations are suggested for the Winner’s Circle Restaurant 302-674-4600.

– Marv Bachrad, Dover Downs

• May 4 : Imperious pays off in Rosecroft feature; Milby is the ‘Saturday Man’ at the ‘Croft
• May 3 : Nicoles Scooter bests RcR featured field; Wagner back to winning ways
• Apr 19 : Goodbye Daddy wires Rosecroft Featured Field
• Apr 13 : Armbro Ben scores minor upset in Rosecroft Open
• Apr 12 : Art’s Pretty Lady wins again at Rosecroft