In the 80’s and 90’s it was commonplace to see harness racing driver Jim Morand win
three or four races a night at Rosecroft Raceway. Life came full circle Sunday night as Morand won four times on the card.
In the opener, Morand, a winner of 9,524 races, had to make a split-second decision with Can’t Beach That in the $12,500 Open Handicap and the decision paid off.
Leaving from Post three, Morand found himself parked at the quarter pole in :26.3, with Precision Blue Chip making the front and Volleyball Beach securing the pocket.
Instead of just floating first up, Morand bolted his horse to the lead past the 3/8th pole and powered through fractions of :54.3 and 1:22 before finishing off the effort holding Precision Blue Chip off by a half-length in 1:50.2.
It was a season’s best fourth win for the six-year-old son of Somebeachsomewhere who is owned by Surprise Pic LLC and trained by Michael Hall. Can’t Beach That paid $6.40 as the second choice in the wagering.
Morand would win three times for trainer Trevor Stafford as Dance On The Beach ($3.60), Manaccount ($6.40) and Disturbia ($7.00) all were winning favorites.
Trae Porter won three time on the night as Tapestry ($4.60), Big City Bud ($5.00) and Beachhead ($3.80) all won the latter giving Hall a training double.
Matthew Athearn and Russell Foster won twice on the card as Athearn scored with Lightning Onmyfeet ($9.00) and Slick Tony ($3.00). Foster got Mittnite Delight ($3.00) his first win of the year and the same for Son Of A Lynx ($5.40) who shares the same Mom as Slick Tony, Queen Kathy.
John Wagner won with Ideal Perfect Ten ($23.80) and Brian Burton posed for a picture with Always On Top ($4.40).
Live racing continues Wednesday night with a first race post of 7:15 eastern time.
For full race results, click here.
by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway