Ft. Washington, MD — Driver Jason Thompson returned to Rosecroft for the first time since being injured in a racing accident over the summer at Harrington Raceway, and piloted Island Of The Sea to a win in the $12,000 Open I Pace at the Fort Washington, Md., oval.

Regular pilot Russell Foster had one of his own in the race so Thompson picked up the drive and won a thrilling stretch duel with fast closing Marco Beach and Starship in 1:50.4.

Thompson scored at a 17 percent clip in the spring meet, winning 28 times. Thursday night, he left from post eight and found a home fourth before going on a first over attack and only separating from the pacesetter Starship in the final 16th of the mile.

It was the 10th win of the year for the son of Always A Virgin who is owned by Lisa and Eric Ell, and has now won 19 times over the past two seasons.

Vicious won the $10,000 Open II for Jonathan Roberts. It was one of three wins for Roberts on the night, as the son of Somebeachsomewhere wired the field in 1:53.1. Michael Hall trains the seven-time winner in 2023 for KDP Stable.

Trae Porter won three times on the card, highlighted by Fancy Like That, who won the second straight Maryland Sires Stakes preliminary leg for 2-year-old filly pacers in 1:54.2. It was the sixth win in 10 starts this year for the daughter of Rusty’s For Real, bred and owned by Virginia Marvel and trainer Kasey Bendix.

Art Stafford Jr. pulled a mild upset with Firecrackergraham, as the son of Mr Apples knocked off a much improved Tony Babe and the 1-9 favorite For You Girls in the second preliminary leg for freshman colts in 1:54.3. Jay Gannon trains the two-time winner for Jeff Clark, and saw his charge explode down the passing lane to win a three horse photo by a head, closing in :27.3.

In the trotting divisions, Foster again secured a victory for Only I Exist as the daughter of Yall Beneath Me won in a lifetime best 1:57.2 for trainer, breeder and owner Richard Hans in a match race with New Concept.

KJ Dash remained the one to beat in next week’s $85,000 final as he knocked off War Pony and Locked Out in 1:57.2. Victor Kirby steered the winner for trainer John Wagner and breeders/owners Pamela Wagner and Scott Woogen.