by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — Cold temperatures and a gusty headwind at over 30 mph couldn’t stop Roger Plante from setting the tone for a big night on Wednesday (March 14) at Rosecroft Raceway. Plante won his first of four races, taking the opening race featuring the top mares on the grounds with Blissfulla Cin, blasting out of the pocket to a win in 1:55.

Pace setter Breadcrumb Income (Brian Burton) was under attack from the start, with a parked out Winter Games, No Shadows and KG Rocks all on the attack in the outer flow. As the field turned for home, No Shadows made a break, Winter Games still had momentum off the final turn for Ricky Still, but Plante guided Blissfulla Cin into the passing lane and took the shortest route to victory. Phyllis Copeland owns and trains the 6-year-old daughter of No Pan Intended who won her second straight start.

Plante also saw a win with Kerry Welty’s newest Swan For All trotter, Sum For All. Only 2-27 lifetime, the 4-year-old was eight lengths back at the three-quarters, but despite the heavy headwind would not be denied, nailing front runner Senor Dinero (Jackie Macleod) and Puddin N Pie (Kim Vincent) who came home second. Welty’s mom, Judy, trains the winner who was purchased for $12,000 at the Blooded Horse Sale in November.

Text Me Hanover won her third straight for Plante and Rosecroft’s leading trainer Ken Scholtzhauer. The 9-year-old The Panderosa mare went 2-21 last year, but is 3-3 to start 2018. Plante completed the double for Phyllis Copeland by winning with Jesse’s Diamond in race 12.

Dash leader Frank Milby won twice with Brilliance Hanover and Its Casual. Jared Moyer had a driving double with Little Miss Woohoo and Always A Rose, and Brian Burton scored a pair with Frankie Boy and Romantic Escape.