Thompson back from injury, back to victory lane

Harness racing driver Jason Thompson returned to Rosecroft for the first time since being injured in a racing accident over the summer at Harrington Raceway, and piloted Island Of The Sea (Always A Virgin) to a win in the $12,000 Open I at the Fort Washington, Maryland oval.

Regular pilot Russell Foster, had one of his own in the race so Thompson picked up the drive and won a thrilling stretch duel with fast closing Marco Beach and Starship in 1:50.4. Thompson scored at a 17% clip in the spring meet, winning 28 times. Thursday night (Oct. 5), he left from post eight and found a home fourth before going on a first over attack and only separating from the pace setter Starship in the final 16th of the mile. It was the 10th win of the year for him, who is owned by Lisa and Eric Ell, and has now won 19 times over the past two seasons.

ISLAND OF THE SEA REPLAY

Vicious (Somebeachsomewhere) won the $10,000 Open II for Jonathan Roberts. It was one of three wins for Roberts on the night, as he wired the field in 1:53.1. Michaell Hall trains the seven-time winner in 2023 for the KDP Stable.

Trae Porter won three times on the card, highlighted by Fancy Like That (Rusty’s For Real), who won the second straight Maryland Sires Stakes preliminary leg for two-year-old filly pacers in 1:54.2. It was the sixth win in ten starts this year for her, bred and owned by Virginia Marvel and trainer Kasey Bendix.

Art Stafford Jr. pulled a mild upset with Firecrackergraham (Mr Apples), and knocked off a much-improved Tony Babe and the 1-9 favorite For You Girls, in the second preliminary leg for freshmen colts, in 1:54.3. Jay Gannon trains the two-time winner for Jeff Clark, and saw his charge explode down the passing lane to win a three-horse photo by a head, closing in :27.3.

In the trotting divisions, Foster again secured a victory for Only I Exist (Yall Beneath Me), who won in a lifetime 1:57.2 for trainer, breeder and owner Richard Hans in a match race with New Concept.

KJ Dash remained the one to beat in next week’s $85,000 final as he knocked off War Pony and Locked Out in 1:57.2. Victor Kirby steered the winner for trainer John Wagner and breeders Pamela Wagner and Scott Woogen.

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

by Pete Medhurst, for Rosecroft Raceway