FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — Horse stung 4-5 favorite Don’tmesswithles through a taxing first quarter before emerging from the pocket and collaring him in the final yards of a 1:50.1 mile in Monday’s (March 31) $10,500 winners-over pacing feature at Rosecroft Raceway.
 
In line to trainer Billy Carter, Horse split Racer Pacer (driven by Lucas Myers) and Don’tmesswithles (Roger Plante Jr.) to take the lead approaching the first turn before yielding to Don’tmesswithles for a pocket ride through splits of :26.1, :54.3 and 1:22 over a rain-soaked track. Midway around the final turn, Carter angled Horse off the pegs, and the 8-year-old Vertical Horizon-Lady Annie gelding lunged to collar the pacesetter by a half length. Racer Pacer stayed on for third, three-quarters of a length farther back, up the open stretch.
 
William Daggett Jr. and Lawrence Vukovic own Horse, a 25-time winner who paid $13.80 to win.
 
MILESTONE FOR ‘SAM’: Earlier on the card, Sams Triple Crown scored the 50th win of his career when he soared to a 5-1/2-length, 1:51.2 score over Lenda Hand Man in a $7,500 conditioned pace. Lucas Myers drove the 11-year-old Art Official-Podges Lady gelding to the milestone win for owner-trainer Jerry Nock.
 
WALTERS WINS FOUR: Justin Walters had the hot hand, leading all drivers with four wins on the 13-race program. The 22-year-old reinsman, in just his fourth season of driving, won with Derby Dog Hanover (1:53.1, $10.60), Triple Shot (1:53.1, $10.80), Capital Builder (1:55.2, $11.20) and Walden Woods (1:53.2, $9.80). Carter and Nock shared top training honors with two wins apiece.
 
CARRYOVER CENTRAL: Over $9,000 in carryovers will await players when racing returns to Rosecroft on Wednesday (April 2): $2,946.52 in the 50-cent Pick-5 (races 3-7) and $6,462.82 in the 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5 (race 10). First post for the 13-race card, which features a $12,000 Open Handicap Trot and a $10,500 winners-over distaff pace, is 7:15 p.m. (EDT). For free past performance pages, race replays and The Players’ Guide tip sheet, visit www.rosecroft.com.
