Spring Blake makes triumphant return to Open ranks

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — On the strength of a pair of higher-level conditioned wins, Spring Blake (Courtly Choice) made his return to the Open class at Rosecroft Raceway a victorious one, lifting off cover to post a 1:50.4 win in Monday’s (Oct. 26) $13,000 pacing feature.

With Brandon Givens at the controls for owner/trainer Johnny Crites Jr., Spring Blake aborted a leave attempt and settled in fourth on the first turn as Russell Foster powered to the top with Icaco Hanover and ripped through early fractions of :25.3 and :54. Midway through the clubhouse turn, Spring Blake angled second-over behind Act Fast (driven by Roger Plante Jr.) before pushing three-wide to continue his pursuit as Act Fast tired from offering mild pressure to Icaco Hanover at the 1:21.4 three-quarters.

Down nearly three lengths a quarter mile from home, Spring Blake was urged to steady gains through the far turn and headed Icaco Hanover with 70 yards to go on his way to a half-length win. Frankie Frankie (Fern Paquet Jr.) closed belatedly to finish third.

SPRING BLAKE REPLAY

Spring Blake, a 5-year-old Courtly Choice-Spring Break ridgling with 28 career wins, paid $2.20 to his backers as the 1-10 favorite.

Foster led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card; Givens and Justin Walters recorded three apiece.

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Thursday (Oct. 29) with another 13-race program; the 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5, offered in the finale, will have a carryover of $11,382. First post is 7:15 p.m. (EDT).

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

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

From Rosecroft Raceway