Ft. Washington, MD — Sams Triple Crown (Art Official–Podges Lady) parlayed a perfect drive by longtime Maryland pilot John Wagner into a trip to the winner’s circle, to capture the $12,500 Maryland Exclusive Open Pace on a chilly Sunday (Dec. 9) evening at Rosecroft Raceway.

Not surprisingly, Hickory Aloha (Village Jolt–Hawaiian Flash) did all the dirty work in cutting fractions of :26.4, :56, and 1:23.1, before succumbing late to the first-over assault from the Jerry Nock owned and trained gelding, who stopped the timer in a 1:51.1 clocking.

Sams Triple Crown, who took a lifetime mark of 1:49.1 earlier this year at The Meadowlands, now owns nine victories on the season. He returned $4.00 for the win and gave Wagner his second winner on the program.

Rosecroft regulars Russell Foster, Frank Milby, and Jonathan Roberts also enjoyed driving doubles.

The final race of the night, a $4,000 claiming event, saw 14-year-old Arts Blaze (Artsplace–Loch Miss A) win for the 55th time in his journeyman career. Last Sunday the 365-time lifetime starter (365-55–50–54, $388,699) gave Foiled Again a good tussle before yielding late in the lane to finish third , beaten by only three-quarters of a length.

John Urbanski owns and trains the veteran pacer, who was capably driven to a front end score by Jason “The Jet” Thompson in a 1:55 mile. Arts Blaze returned $3.80 to his numerous backers.

Rosecroft Raceway wraps up the 2018 season with a 6:40 p.m. post on Wednesday and a visit from Santa on closing night (Sunday, 4:40 p.m. post).