Fort Washington, MD – Making the first start of his 4-year-old campaign, Lou’s Starr called the shots early and was geared down late for a measured 1:53.2 score in Monday’s (Feb. 2) $12,000 Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway.
In line to Corey Braden, Lou’s Starr emerged from midfield amid a host of leavers to clear Sudden Impact (driven by Frank Milby) upon entry to the first turn, and the son of Sweet Lou-Amantha Starr traveled unopposed through early splits of :27.1 and :56.2. Lou’s Starr shrugged off mild first-over pressure from Sheer Terror (Jonathan Roberts) past the 1:24.2 three-quarters, bolted as many as 3-1/2 lengths clear off the corner for home, and was taken in hand with 70 yards to go.
Layton Hanover (Roger Plante Jr.) circled four-wide off the home turn and rallied for second; 6-5 favorite Spring Blake (Russell Foster) saw his four-race winning streak conclude but closed belatedly from last to finish third.
Scott Warnick trains 13-time winner Lou’s Starr, who paid $7 to win as the 5-2 second choice.
IT PAYS TO PLAY THE PICK-4: After favorites went winless in the Early Pick-4, an instant carryover of $955.91 greeted players taking aim at the Late Pick-4. Backers were handsomely rewarded with a dividend of $1,838.05 on a 50-cent ticket with winners’ odds of 6-5, 4-1, 22-1 and even money.
Rosecroft offers two Pick-4s nightly — beginning in races 3 and 8 — with a 50-cent base wager, player-friendly 15% takeout, and instant carryovers in the event of no winning tickets.
NOTES: Four drivers tied for top honors with two wins apiece: Braden, William Carter, Russell Foster and Lucas Myers. … Trainers Courtney Foster and Darren Olsen recorded doubles, as well. … There were no winning tickets in the Jackpot Hi-5, resulting in a carryover of $5,343.91 to Thursday’s (Feb. 5) final race. … First post Thursday is 7:15 p.m. (EST).