An early give-and-go proved the winning move for Spring Blake, who powered to a 1:52.3 score over Rebellious in the $16,667 Open Handicap Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Monday, Dec. 8.
In line to Russell Foster, Spring Blake sprinted to a clear early lead before yielding to Rebellious (William Carter) at the end of a :26.2 first-quarter duel and immediately retaking control with a circuit to go. The four-year-old Courtly Choice-Spring Break ridgling rated middle splits of :55 and 1:23.3 before widening his lead steadily on the far turn and defeating an all-out Rebellious by 5-3/4 lengths. Tony Babe (Justin Vincent) rallied up the open stretch to narrowly nab A Major Attitude (Justin Walters) for third.
Spring Blake earned his second straight win since being claimed at Pocono Downs by owner/trainer Johnny Crites Jr. a month ago and joining the Rosecroft Open ranks.
He paid $6 to win as the 2-1 second choice while Sheer Terror (Jonathan Roberts), who was sent off as the 4-5 favourite, failed to sustain a first-over bid up the backstretch and faded to finish last in the seven-horse field.
Jonathan Roberts led all drivers with four wins on the 13-race card.
Live harness racing returns to Rosecroft on Thursday, Dec. 11. The Jackpot Hi-5 carryover stands at $4,601.81. First post for the 13-race program is 7:15 p.m.
(With files from Rosecroft Raceway)