by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway
Fort Washington, MD — Russell Foster had a super Tuesday (Sept. 20) at Rosecroft Raceway. Foster won five straight races (capturing races five-nine) and stole the $12,000 Open with a masterful rating job on his own charge, Rock On Precious.
Foster put the 8-year-old son of Rocknroll Hanover on the engine and rated a :56.2 half and pretty much neutered the closers, including 1-5 favorite Handsome Henry K. The latter caught poor cover as Nova Artist came first over for driver Eddie Davis, but folded his bid in the final turn.
Jonathan Roberts put Handsome Henry K three wide in the final turn, but could not catch the winner who paid 24.40 to win. Rock On Precious sprinted the back half in :54.3 for a 1:51 mile.
Foster also won two early non-betting races in the Maryland Sires Stakes program. Roger Plante took two early races as well, including keeping 2-year old filly trotter Miss Valerie a perfect eight-for-eight for trainer Steve LeBlanc.
For a third straight night, the Pick-5 wager will carryover to Thursday with a $2,640.92 pot to start the wager.
- Freshman Maryland Sire Stakes contested at Rosecroft (Wednesday, September 21, 2016)
The fall series of Maryland Sire Stakes started at Rosecroft on Tuesday (Sept. 20) with a six race non-wagering card.