Fort Washington, MD – Spring Blake overcame post eight and withstood a strong mid-race challenge en route to his third consecutive conquest of Maryland‘s best pacers, taking Monday’s (Dec. 15) $12,000 Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway in 1:51.1.
Russell Foster sent Spring Blake forward to clear early pacesetter Rebellious (driven by William Carter) just beyond a :26.3 first quarter. After pulling the half back to :55, Spring Blake faced a stern first-over bid from Reactor Now A (Billy Carter) up the backstretch but protected the lead through three-quarters in 1:22.4. The 4-year-old Courtly Choice-Spring Break ridgling dismissed that challenge off the home turn and evaded Rebellious by 1-1/4 lengths to win for the third time in four local starts for owner-trainer Johnny Crites Jr. Precision Bluechip (Eric Davis) was a ground-saving third.
Now a 16-time winner with $194,436 in career earnings, Spring Blake paid $3 to win as the 1-2 favorite.
Foster and Jonathan Roberts led all drivers with three wins apiece on the 13-race program.
The 2025 fall meet at Rosecroft concludes Thursday (Dec. 18) with another 13-race card and a Jackpot Hi-5 carryover of $5,967.91. First post is 7:15 p.m. (EST).
For more information, including free past performance pages, the Players’ Guide tip sheet, and live and archived video, visit www.rosecroft.com.