Making the first start of his four-year-old campaign, Lous Starr called the shots early and was geared down late for a measured 1:53.2 score in the $16,216 Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Monday, Feb. 2.

In line to Corey Braden, Lous Starr emerged from midfield amid a host of leavers to clear Sudden Impact (Frank Milby) upon entry to the first turn, and the Sweet Lou-Amantha Starr entire travelled unopposed through early splits of :27.1 and :56.2. Lous Starr shrugged off mild first-over pressure from Sheer Terror (Jonathan Roberts) past the 1:24.2 three-quarters, bolted as many as 3-1/2 lengths clear off the turn for home and was taken in hand with 70 yards to go. Layton Hanover (Roger Plante Jr.) circled four-wide off the home turn and rallied for second, finishing three-quarters of a length behind the winner, while 6-5 favourite Spring Blake (Russell Foster) had his four-race winning streak conclude but closed belatedly from last to finish third.

Scott Warnick trains Lous Starr, a 13-time career winner just shy of the $200,000 earnings mark, for owner Daniel Chansky of Powhatan, Virginia. 

Lous Starr paid $7 to win as the 5-2 second choice.

After favourites went winless in the Early Pick-4, an instant carryover of $955.91 greeted players taking aim at the Late Pick-4. Backers were handsomely rewarded with a dividend of $1,838.05 on a 50-cent ticket with winners' odds of 6-5, 4-1, 22-1 and even money.

Rosecroft offers two Pick-4s nightly — beginning in races three and eight — with a 50-cent base wager, player-friendly 15 per cent takeout, and instant carryovers in the event of no winning tickets.

Four drivers tied for top honours with two wins apiece: Braden, William Carter, Russell Foster and Lucas Myers. Trainers Courtney Foster and Darren Olsen recorded doubles, as well.

There were no winning tickets in the Jackpot Hi-5, resulting in a carryover of $5,343.91 to the final race on Thursday, Feb. 5. First post on Thursday is 7:15 p.m.

(With files from Rosecroft Raceway; photo of Lous Starr from a previous win at Pocono Downs)