On the strength of a pair of higher-level conditioned wins, Spring Blake made his return to the Open class at Rosecroft Raceway a victorious one, lifting off cover to post a 1:50.4 win the $18,310 pacing feature on Monday, Oct. 26.

With Brandon Givens at the controls for owner/trainer Johnny Crites Jr., Spring Blake aborted a leave attempt and settled in fourth on the first turn as Russell Foster powered to the top with Icaco Hanover and ripped through early fractions of :25.3 and :54. Midway through the clubhouse turn, Spring Blake angled second-over behind Act Fast (Roger Plante Jr.) before pushing three-wide to continue his pursuit as Act Fast tired from offering mild pressure to Icaco Hanover at the 1:21.4 three-quarters. Down nearly three lengths a quarter-mile from home, Spring Blake was urged to steady gains through the far turn and headed Icaco Hanover with 70 yards to go on his way to a half-length win. Frankie Frankie (Fern Paquet Jr.) closed belatedly to finish third.

Spring Blake, a five-year-old Courtly Choice-Spring Break ridgling with 28 career wins and more than $400,000, paid $2.20 to his backers as the 1-9 favourite. He pushed his 2026 win count to 12 and earnings to $138,417 for career-best seasonal totals.

Foster led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card. Givens and Justin Walters recorded three apiece.

Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Thursday, Oct. 29 with another 13-race program. The 50-cent Jackpot Hi-5, offered in the finale, will have a carryover of $11,382. First post is 7:15 p.m. 

(With files from Rosecroft Raceway; photo of Spring Blake from a previous win)