News & Notes

Rock N’ Roll Jet, owned by Dawn Webb and trainer Buddy Bright of Milford, Del., became the leading non-Maryland Sire Stakes horse by earnings at the fall meet with a last-to-first sweep (final quarter-mile in :27 1/5) in the Open I pace Nov. 11. It was his third win in the top class in his last four starts and the final time of 1:50 4/5 on a cold night was just a fifth of a second slower than his lifetime mark, which was taken Oct. 14 at Rosecroft.

Rock N’ Roll Jet, in seven starts at the meet, has earned $19,560. J P Oscar, with eight starts during the meet so far, is second with $18,130.

There are nine more racing programs scheduled for Rosecroft’s fall meet, which concludes Sunday, Dec. 16. Here’s a look at several races on the Wednesday, Nov. 14, program:

Race 2

Stakeout was out a long way first-over from post 7 against a much tougher bunch at the next-highest money condition and drops to the bottom level; he should be able to work out a good trip behind In Record Time, who figures to gun for the lead given his three local outings this fall.

Race 4

The speed types in this “NW 1 life” pace tend to fade or not produce a quick last quarter-mile. That scenario could set things up for Art Box, who lacks early foot but has shown the ability to enter contention; drop from the “NW 2 life” class at Rosecroft can only help her chances for the Gray barn, which is having a productive meet.

Race 8

Be The Best displayed some gate speed last week at the bottom condition level, lost the pocket trip when the eventual winner cleared past the half-mile mark and then lost ground behind the gapping early leader-turned-pocket-sitter. He showed decent late trot in the stretch and moves inside again; could be price play for the exotics. Note that this a combined condition trot—the “non-winners of $1,000” types drew the five inside posts, and the “non-winners of $3,000” trotters the four outside posts. Explosive Drama (post 8) appears to be the class of the bunch, and perhaps the fastest, but he’ll need to mind his manners; Nov. 7 qualifier after back-to-back breaks was encouraging.

Race 11

The featured event of the week for filly and mare pacers came up strong from a competitive standpoint top to bottom. Always A Rose took a day trip to Chester, Pa., a week ago and showed good early gas from post 6 only to come home an even fourth; she was consistent at this level earlier in the meet before going against the “winners over” fillies and mares twice in late October. Junkyard Treasure had to circle from far back after a bad shuffle in this class last week but draws the pylons post and has excellent gate speed on her best night. She can also pace a nice last quarter-mile, and the absence of Arts And Flowers this week can only her help her chances.