On a picture-perfect late summer evening, Rosecroft began a new chapter in its 67-year history with the opening of its 27-day fall meet Tuesday night.

The 12-race program was the track's first under new ownership of The Stronach Group, parent company of the Maryland Jockey Club.

Owner-trainer Basil Sapienza’s Dancing Rusty ($5.80), sent off as the 9-5 favourite in a field of nine, went to the lead with driver Roger Plante Jr. and held off Metro Angel to capture the opener in 1:53 2/5.

“It went the way I hoped. The horse I have is best on the lead. It took a little longer to get to the lead than I wanted but I was able to give him a little break there in the middle half and it worked out well,” Plante said. “He fights hard on the front and he was kind of the class of the race, I thought.”

Plante won three of the first six races on Tuesday including the evening feature, a $12,000 open pace with Sapienza’s five-year-old gelding Diamondkeeper ($3.60) in the sixth, his 26th career victory. Plante was also first with Thats My Harley ($10.80) in the third.

Among the improvements unveiled Tuesday night were a high-definition, 21-by-30 television to replace the infield tote board, a new starting gate and freshly paved paddock area.

“I’ve raced at a lot of tracks that won’t invest any money; they’re more concerned with the casinos and it’s hard. I’m very encouraged to see them spending money to do a few things here. It’s great,” Plante said.

“I’ve raced here since the eighties and it was beautiful. It was a great place back then and it’s nice to see a few encouraging things to build on,” he added. “This racetrack is a great racetrack, the way they maintain it. We can support some good racing. Anything I can take that’s optimistic for the business, I’m hopeful. We do have a good product here.”

Rosecroft also debuted a Pick 5 wager with an industry-low 12 percent takeout covering the last five races as well as offering superfectas in every race.

In the Pick 5, if no bet contains all five winners, 25 percent shall be distributed among those bets which contain the most correct selections and 75 percent of the pool shall be carried over to the next program.

Racing continues with a 12-race program Thursday. Post time is 6:40 p.m.

(with files from Rosecroft)