Chester, PA — The Rocknroll Hanover mare Rock N Shard N seems headed for Open company as she won for the third time in her four-race United States career, capturing the $17,000 distaff pacing feature in 1:51.3 on a Friday evening (May 17) card at Harrah’s Philadelphia.

Driver Art Stafford Jr. patiently guided Rock N Shard N on her uncovered grind from sixth while Newsday went to the front and set fractions of :27, :55.4 and 1:23.1. These two were close to being on even terms as they turned for home, but despite the overland journey, Rock N Shard N proved the stronger late, two lengths to the good of Newsday, with pocket-sitting Ghosttothepost finishing third.

The Kiwi mare is another of a long line of successes for trainer Joshua Parker over the last couple of seasons. Parker also owns Rock N Shard N with Nanticoke Racing Inc. and Barry Spedden.

There were a pair of $16,000 co-features on the card, including one for the distaff pacing set. In that contest, the Captaintreacherous sophomore filly Treacherous Reign proved ready to go from the outset, taking her 2019 debut in 1:52.2. Driver George Napolitano Jr., a five-time winner on the night, surrendered early control to Stonebridge Soul, but was on the move with the winner past the quarter to reassert command. Treacherous Reign rocketed home in :27.1 over off going to be a length clear of Stonebridge Soul at the line for trainer Tony Alagna and the ownership of Alagna Racing LLC, Big Als Stables, Let It Ride Stables Inc. and Mr. Dana Parham.

In the co-feature for trotters, the Lucky Chucky mare Lucky Sheila swung wide off of cover late on the far turn, then just had enough to catch pacesetter Spee Club by a neck in a lifetime best 1:56.2. Pat Berry drove for trainer Chris Marino and owner Robert Weinstein.