Early move pays off as Spring Blake dominates

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — An early give-and-go proved the winning move for Spring Blake (Courtly Choice), who powered to a 1:52.3 harness racing score over Rebellious in Monday’s (Dec. 8) $12,000 Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway.

SPRING BLAKE REPLAY

In line to Russell Foster, Spring Blake sprinted to a clear early lead before yielding to Rebellious (driven by William Carter) at the end of a :26.2 first-quarter duel and immediately retaking control with a circuit to go. The 4-year-old Courtly Choice-Spring Break ridgling rated middle splits of :55 and 1:23.3 before widening his lead steadily on the far turn and defeating an all-out Rebellious by 5-3/4 lengths. Tony Babe (Justin Vincent) rallied up the open stretch to narrowly nab A Major Attitude (Justin Walters) for third.

Sheer Terror (Jonathan Roberts), who was sent off the 4-5 favorite, failed to sustain a first-over bid up the backstretch and faded to finish last in the seven-horse field.

Johnny Crites Jr. owns and trains 15-time winner Spring Blake, who paid $6.00 to win as the 2-1 second choice.

Jonathan Roberts led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card, winning with Freaky Feet Beast (1:54.2, $5.80) and Starship (1:52, $3.40) for his dad, trainer William “Bib” Roberts; Big Dream Fella (1:53.4, $20.60) for trainer Cole Olsen; and Art Scaping (1:51.4, $2.80) for trainer Greg Trotto.

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Thursday (Dec. 11); the Jackpot Hi-5 carryover stands at $4,601.81. First post for the 13-race program is 7:15 p.m. (EST).

For more information, including free past performance pages, the Players’ Guide tip sheet, and live and archived video, visit www.rosecroft.com.

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

From Rosecroft Raceway