‘Bluegrass’ returns to winning ways in Rosecroft feature
September 26, 2007,by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office
Ft. Washington, MD — After showing tremendous gate speed to gain the lead before the quarter from post position seven, Hezaumpn Bluegrass ($13.60, $6.40, $3.60) was a confident winner in an upper-level claiming pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Tuesday, September 25.
Driven by Frank Milby through quarters of :28.2, :58.1 and 1:26.1, the trainee of Don Milby won by just over a length in 1:54.2, a seasonal best. The 11-year-old veteran Dorunrun Bluegrass gelding, owned by Candy Milby, now sports a line of 6-4-5 across the board from 32 starts this year.
Rusty’s Townie ($2.40, $2.10), the betting choice at 9-5 odds by post time, finished second after a challenging first-over trip. Trainer-driver Donnie Russell pulled the 5-year-old Tune Town gelding out after the opening quarter to duel with Hezaumpn Bluegrass, and finished well with a :28.2 last quarter. Russell co-owns Rusty’s Townie with Edward Needle.
Armbro Cancun ($2.40) was third with John Wagner at his lines. The 5-year-old Island Fantasy gelding made up ground in the stretch along the rail to finish two lengths off of the winner. Basil Sapienza owns Armbro Cancun.
Closing out the $333.50 superfecta were Family Fortune at 4-1 odds with driver Wayne Long. Roger Hans trains and owns the 5-year-old Glowing Tribute gelding.
The morning line favorite, Traider Raider, was scratched from the inside post.
The Showcase of Champions, a culmination of the Maryland Sires Stakes season, will be held this coming Saturday, September 29. Both 2- and 3-year-old pacers and trotters will compete in their respective finals. Post time for Saturday’s card is 7:20 p.m.