Ft. Washington, MD — Most handicappers knew the $17,500 Maryland Exclusive Handicap on Thursday (Sept. 22) at Rosecroft Raceway would come down to Can’t Beach That, driven by Jonathan Roberts, and Island Of The Sea, piloted by Russell Foster.

In fact, the two of them were so good, it ended up in a dead heat.

Can’t Beach That slipped up the pylons, while Island Of The Sea unleashed a backside brush from eighth that netted him the lead at the top of the stretch, only to see his rival push forward up the passing lane to share the win.

Can’t Beach That won for the 10th time this year for Surprise Pic LLC and trainer Michael Hall. Island Of The Sea took his sixth win of the year for Eric and Lisa Ell. It gave Eric Ell a training double.

Foster had five wins on the night while Roberts posted three. Roger Plante won twice as did John Wagner.