Ft. Washington, MD — Can’t Beach That cleared to the lead just past the opening quarter and held off a fast closing Trip Hammer to win the $17,000 Open I Pace Thursday night (Feb. 9) at Rosecroft.

Regular pilot Jonathan Roberts handled the lines for Surprise Pic LLC and trainer Michael Hall. It was his first win in three starts in 2023 after posting a 16-win season a year ago. The entire field of nine was separated by just four lengths.

It was one of two wins for the Roberts-Hall connection on the night.

Eric Davis, John Wagner, Jared Moyer, Frank Milby and Trae Porter all won two races on the card.

Porter won the $15,000 Open II Pace with Snowball’s Romeo in 1:53 for owner Jerry Zollo and trainer George Lange, who won twice.