Upsets in the rain at Rosecroft

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — Phoenix Rising (Movie Idol-Scarlet Pandemic) and Coventry Hall (Cash Hall-Canland Hall) took decidedly different paths to victory in their respective $10,500 Open Handicap harness racing events, but both braved rainy conditions and sloppy going to post mild upsets on Wednesday (Dec. 18) at Rosecroft Raceway.

In the Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace, Phoenix Rising and driver Frank Milby used two moves to seat 1-5 favorite Lofty Treasure in the pocket with a circuit to go. Once in control, the 4-year-old mare traveled unopposed and beat Lofty Treasure (driven by Trae Porter) by 1-3/4 lengths in 1:52.3, equaling her lifetime mark. Dice Dice Baby (Roger Plante Jr.) finished third after an unsuccessful first-over bid.

PHOENIX RISING REPLAY

Phoenix Rising, who paid $8.60 to win, is owned in partnership by trainer Franklin Gannon III and Elizabeth Gannon.

Buoyed by a $25,138 carryover and a mandatory payout, the Jackpot Hi-5, which was offered on the Fillies and Mares Open, attracted over $60,000 in “new money.” The winning combination of 8-6-2-1-5 returned $287.40 on a 50-cent ticket.

The Open Handicap Trot saw Coventry Hall and Trae Porter ride the pocket behind 2-1 choice College Tuition before emerging in upper stretch, taking the lead from the tiring pacesetter, and evading a stand-side rally from Black Hope (Johnathan Ahle) by 1-3/4 lengths to win in 1:54.3. Craft Made (Jonathan Roberts) finished third.

COVENTRY HALL REPLAY

Michael Hall, who took top training honors through the 26-night fall meet with 50 wins, conditions the 7-year-old gelding for owners William and Sarah MacMillan. Coventry Hall paid $7.80 to win.

On the strength of four wins on the Monday (Dec. 16) program, Russell Foster sealed the fall driving title with a single win on the closing card, besting runner-up Johnathan Ahle, 44-42. Jonathan Roberts finished third with 41 wins.

Ammo and JL Cruze were named the meet’s top pacer and trotter, respectively.

The 2025 winter-spring meet at Rosecroft is slated to commence Monday, Jan. 20. For more information, visit www.rosecroft.com.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.