Ft. Washington, MD — Jonathan Roberts and Early Action took the $12,000 Open I Pace on Thursday night (April 4) at Rosecroft in 1:51.1.

Early Action edged Sea Of Life to win the $12,000 Open at Rosecroft. Erik Jones photo.

Roberts secured a good race position off the gate, tucking in third as Sea Of Life (William Carter) and Walden Woods (Hugh O’Neil) left well to the tune of :26.3. Walden Woods popped the pocket to try and gain the front, but could not clear the leader through fractions of :55.2 and 1:22.4.

Sea Of Life, despite that attack and one from eventual third place finisher Nuttin But Finesse (Johnathan Ahle) still had the lead and looked like he might get home. Roberts then sent Early Action into the passing lane where he just barely got by Sea Of Life by inches for his first win in five starts this year. The 5-year-old son of Huntsville is owned by David Rovine Stable, CTC Stable and trainer Michael Hall.

Sea Of Life has now been on the board in 10 of 11 starts this year for trainer Steve Wetzel and he has now lost five of his last seven by less than a length.

In the $10,000 Open II Pace, Starship and Ahle wired the field in 1:52.2 over Transparency (Frank Milby) and Sweet Sun Daze (Tyler Miller). It was career win number 35 for the 7-year-old son of Captaintreacherous, who is owned and trained by Bib Roberts and one of four wins for Ahle on the night.

Ahle won with For You Girls, last year’s 2-year-old Maryland Sires Stakes champion for Brian and Katie Callahan in his seasonal debut as he held off a solid challenge from Ibite Ask Doug and Roger Plante in 1:57.1.

Roberts won three times as did Carter and Trea Porter. Hall and Basil Sapienza had two training wins on the card.

The Jackpot Hi-5 will have a carryover of $38,372.19 on the Tuesday night card which starts at 7:15 p.m.