by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — Rose and Romeo Stable’s Rhapsody Rose went a monster effort to win the $12,000 Mares Open at Rosecroft Raceway Thursday night (Sept. 22).

Leaving from post six, Roger Plante Jr. sent the 10-year-old daughter of Real Artist to the front against Hostess Lisa (Jonathan Roberts), clearing before the quarter pole in :26.1.

Henrik Lundell then launched Clear View Hanover on the attack, but she never cleared and stayed there off the leader’s flank until the final turn. Hostess Lisa had a great shot out of the pocket but could never get by.

Plante led his mare through fractions of :54.3 and 1:22.4, with a mile mark of 1:52.1.

Brian Fisher conditions the winner.

Roberts and Russell Foster won three races each and Billy Carter notched a driving double.