Colvin Rides First Winner at Pimlico

Samantha Colvin captured her first lifetime win this afternoon when Rocket Ninetyeight won today’s opener at Pimlico Race Course. The 26-year-old grew up in Williamsport, PA and spent nearly a decade in the United States Army in signals intelligence.

Rocket Ninetyeight stalked the pace, moved three-wide into the stretch, took command and drew away. The $16,000 claiming maiden won by 3-3/4 lengths for owner-trainer Calvin Barth and paid $18.80.

“I’m here to ride and to win,” said Colvin, who was victorious on her fifth career mount.

MEDIA CELEBRITY ANNOUNCERS DAY SET FOR FRIDAY

Members of the Baltimore press corps will find out how difficult it is to call a race tomorrow in the first annual Celebrity Announcer Day at Pimlico. Track announcer Dave Rodman will take a backseat for all but two races while eight media celebrities get the opportunity of a lifetime.

Race 1-Bryan Nehman, WBAL Radio   

Race 2-Jamie Costello, WMAR-TV

Race 3-Gerry Sandusky, WBAL-TV

Race 4-Mark Viviano, WJZ-TV

Race 5-Bruce Cunningham, WBFF-TV

Race 6-Nestor Aparicio, www.wnst.net

Race 7-Steve Kolbe, CBS Radio

Race 10-Jim Hunter, Baltimore Orioles

PIMLICO TO OFFER $50,000 GUARANTEE ON JACKPOT PICK 5

Beginning on Kentucky Derby day, Pimlico will offer a $50,000 guarantee on the Jackpot Pick 5. The wager, which begins with race six on Saturday’s 11-race card, pays any carryover to a single, unique winning ticket.

Here are the highlights of the wager, which began during the 2012 spring meet:

• 60% of the daily pool is paid to multiple winners or “best of fives”
• 40% of the daily pool builds a jackpot carryover payable to a single, unique winning ticket
• 50¢ minimum bet and ticket value
• 18% takeout
• Late scratches are awarded post time favorites
• A move from turf to dirt results in an “all”; a surface change in more than one leg results in a refund