by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — Two fantastic finishes highlighted the co-featured events on Rosecroft’s Sunday night (Oct. 15) card.

El Bloombito, trained and driven by Sean Bier for owner R.J. Thomas, held off a host of challengers in the final strides to win the $10,000 Open Pace in 1:51.2. It was the eighth win of the year for the son of American Ideal, and career win 22. Hickory Aloha (Timmy Offutt), Abelard Hanover (Jeff Stafford) and Rock N Roll Jet (Kim Vincent) all finished within three-quarters of a length of the winner.

In the Winners Over Trot, Fashion Smile survived an early break and ended Don Dorado’s three-race win streak in 1:54.3. Art Stafford Jr. hustled Don Dorado to the front from post nine and led every step until the final one. Fashion Smile popped out of the pocket for Jonathan Roberts and picked up his sixth win in 23 starts this year for William DeLodovico and trainer Bib Roberts. It was one of three wins for the trainer-driver combo on the night.

Brian Burton and Allan Davis had a pair of wins on the pari-mutuel card as well.

In the non-betting Maryland Sires Stakes contested before the card, Burton and Roger Plante continued their good luck as Burton won for a second straight week with 2-year-old male trotter What That Is for owner Brian Emerson and trainer Judy Welty. Cutting the mile, What That Is held off first time starter No Drama De Vie, who closed stoutly for Frank Milby, in 1:58.1 while Judge Bob finished third. Richard Hans bred the pacing bred trotter, another successful son of Cam’s Rocket.

Plante and trainer Steve LeBlanc have enjoyed great results over the past three years and HS Shauna is their latest star. The 2-year-old pacing filly by Up Front Charlie wired her foes in 1:54.4. Cary Grady bred and owns the filly.

In the first division, Miss Choptank rallied from fourth via a first over journey for Victor Kirby to nail Cool Toy in the final strides in 1:55.1. This division may have the best final coming up on Sunday night in the Showcase of Champions card. Wayne Givens trains Miss Choptank for Legacy Racing of Delaware and Stephen Townsend.

Iron Mine Bro rolled to a 10-3/4 length victory in 1:58.3 in the first division for 2-year-old colt and gelding trotters for Art Stafford Jr. and trainer Greg Haverstick for the Iron Mine Branch LLC ownership.