Fort Washington, MD — Eric Davis capped a driving hat trick on Saturday (May 2) at Rosecroft Raceway when he engineered a 9-1 upset aboard Naturalborn Leader in the $9,500 top-level conditioned pacing feature.
After stalking the pacesetting pair of Social Drinker (driven by Rick Still) and Luckatthebeach (Lucas Myers) through a :55.2 first half and being locked in past the 1:23 three-quarter station as the result of a mild first-over push from Rebellious (William Carter) up the backstretch, Davis found room to angle Naturalborn Leader off the pegs midway on the final turn when Rebellious began to weaken. The 5-year-old Bettor’s Delight-Sakura Hanover gelding shifted gears at first asking and reeled in Social Drinker to win in 1:51.3 by a widening 1-1/2 lengths. A Major Attitude (Justin Walters) rallied belatedly for third.
Alexandra Goldin owns and trains Naturalborn Leader, who paid $20.40 to win.
Davis’ other driving wins came with William “Bib” Roberts trainee Starship (1:52.3, $3.20) and Deshawn Sample trainee Uncle DD (1:52.3, $5.20).
JACKPOT HI-5 HIT FOR $19K: One astute handicapper enjoyed a $19,451.15 payday after Shethinksistilcare and owner/driver Russell Foster keyed a 7-5-9-6-8 combination in the 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5, which was offered in the finale, a $7,500 optional claiming pace.
MAY SCHEDULE ADVISORY: Rosecroft Raceway will offer live harness racing on Thursday and Saturday evenings for the final two weeks of the meet, which concludes May 16, in conjunction with the Preakness Stakes. The track will again offer its Best Bet clubhouse package on Preakness Day, featuring reserved clubhouse seating overlooking the track and a robust buffet. Tickets are $38 in advance and can be purchased on track at the Guest Services window.
Racing returns to Rosecroft on Thursday (May 7) with a $137.48 carryover in the early Pick-4, which begins in race 3. First post is 7:15 p.m. For handicapping resources, video archives and more information, visit www.rosecroft.com.