Don’tmesswithles toughs out an upset victory

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — After stalking a protracted backstretch duel, Walter Birney Jr.’s Don’tmesswithles vaulted off second-over cover and rallied to a 12-1 harness racing upset in Monday’s (Feb. 10) featured $10,000 winners-over pace at Rosecroft Raceway.

In line to Roger Plante Jr., Don’tmesswithles floated into fourth from his outside post eight as 9-5 favorite Doubleornothing N (driven by Hugh O’Neil) drilled a :26.1 first quarter. Approaching the :55.4 halfway point, Plante angled Don’tmesswithles second-over behind the cover of Walden Woods (Justin Walters), and the 6-year-old Captaintreacherous-JK Letitgo gelding worked closer to a :27.3 third-quarter duel before fanning three-wide into the far turn, working to the lead off the home turn, and evading runner-up Lyons Stealth (Johnathan Ahle) by two lengths to win in 1:51.3. Jack Quick (Corey Braden) closed belatedly for third.

DON’TMESSWITHLES REPLAY

Howard Birney trains 14-time winner Don’tmesswithles, who paid $27.80 to win.

Jonathan Roberts led all drivers with three wins on the 12-race card; William Carter and Justin Walters notched two apiece.

Live racing returns to Rosecroft on Wednesday (Mar 12); first post for the 13-race card is 7:15 p.m. (EDT).

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

From Rosecroft Raceway