by Mike Wandishin, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — Despite weather that has been wetter than normal, work has continued unabated at Rosecroft in preparation for the return of night-time harness racing action.

On Saturday (Oct. 15) five qualifiers were held on a track that was rated fast and every horse that stayed flat met the qualifying standards for Rosecroft. The day’s fastest time of 1:56.4 was turned in by the Offutt Stable’s Bodine Hanover who was hard-used to clear near the half in :56.3 and continued home strongly in a big mile. Blissfull Hall pushed the winner early and held the place spot in a solid 1:57.3.

Once again drivers were pleased with the condition of the track which is rapidly approaching mid-season form due to the outstanding efforts of the track crew. Times are expected to only quicken as more horses get an opportunity to train and race over the track in the next few weeks.

Monday is a day many thought would never again happen at Rosecroft. The entry box will open at 9 a.m. and entries for a Friday night card will be taken. Entries can be phoned into the race office at 301.567.4401 or 4434. No entries will be accepted via fax or e-mail. The box will remain open until 1 p.m.

Entries for a rare Tuesday evening of qualifiers will be taken at the above-mentioned numbers until 2 p.m. on Monday. First post for the card of qualifiers will be 6:45 p.m. and free programs will be made available to the public.

Wednesday the entry box will open at noon and close at 3 p.m. for the Saturday evening card. In addition, the track will be open for training between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call the race office on Monday afternoon for more details on training days at Rosecroft.

Thursday preparations will continue at the Raceway on the Beltway for opening night and programs may be available late in the afternoon for the opening night. Please call ahead to be sure they have arrived before heading to Rosecroft to pick one up.

Friday night the “Rosecroft Renaissance” begins with a first post of 6:45 p.m. Also on Friday evening, a new and exciting buffet will be available in the Victory View Cafe. Reservations are recommended to get the best possible seating and can be made by calling 301.567.4514 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. any evening.

Horsemen are reminded that they need a copy of their current coggins in their possession when they enter the backside at Rosecroft unless they have already given the race office a copy. In addition, each participant needs to fill out and return a Release and Waiver before entering the backside and they’ll also need to fill out a 2011 Racing Application before entering in overnights. There is still plenty of room for all classes of horses wishing to race at Rosecroft to apply for racing privileges. This paperwork is available at www.rosecroft.com and www.cloverleafsoa.org/.

For more information concerning the race meet at Rosecroft or entering a horse in to qualify, call Rosecroft Raceway’s Race Office at 301.567.4401.