by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

FT. WASHINGTON, MD — As the culmination of the racing year begins, Maryland Sire Stakes action is heating up at Rosecroft Raceway; this Saturday, five divisions of the preliminary races are scheduled to highlight the card.

Three of the races will be held as early, non-wagering events. The first division, a race for 3-year-old pacing fillies, includes Dig Alittle Deeper, Grace Of Hearts (Kelly Staten), Leimatua, Tidewater Gee Gee (Vic Kirby) and Circle M Sweetie (Brian Burton).

2-year-old filly trotters will vie for the $3,000 purse in an early race as well; the field includes Brilliant Get Lost, Danish Dancer, Lillie Marlane, Go Get Katie, Ornellix and Jane B. The field for freshman colt and gelding trotters is made up of Mr Crazy (Sam Belote), Concertino (Kelly Staten), Descant, Erio Hanover (Joe Offutt), Red Oaks Challenge (Gary Cameron), Misterio (Jonathan Roberts) and Pozole.

Onto the wagering card, the first race of the evening will bring 3-year-old filly pacers to the track.

From the rail, High Speed Racer is the early 7/5 morning line favorite with John Wagner in the bike. The daughter of Nuclear High was a winner her past two starts with strong speed; on Ocean Downs’ half-mile track, High Speed Racer won in 1:56.1 on August 22nd. Roger Hans trains the filly for owner Tom Cooke.

Tell Hillary is next on the list at 5/2 early odds. Trained and driven by Donnie Russell, the Misfit filly will start in post five. At Ocean Downs, Tell Hillary finished second to High Speed Racer in her last start with a mile timed in 1:58. Russell co-owns with Edward Needle.

Jamiedoyaluvme (Frank Milby, 8/1), Ecmo Philly (Wayne Long, 6/1), Masterful K (Corey Callahan, 4/1) and My Aunt Margaret (Victor Kirby, 10/1) complete the field.

In the fifth race for 3-year-old colt and gelding pacers, Southern Myles will try for two in a row as the 6/5 early choice. The Nuclear High colt, owned by Gerald Kelly, has earned over $150,000 lifetime to date. Trainer Richard Hans has named Jonathan Roberts to drive, and the pair will start from post six.

After winning in a swift 1:55.2 at Harrington Raceway, Mental Lapse will open on the board at 4/1 odds. The Shotgun Scott gelding has been turning in strong miles recently; at Ocean Downs two starts back, Mental Lapse was third with a 27.1 final quarter for a mile in 1:55. Shaun Callahan trains for owners Faragalli, Feeney, Jackson and Clark. Regular reinsman Victor Kirby will be aboard for the drive from post four.

Also contending are Western Invader (Betsy Brown, 15/1), Hard Head (Mark Gray, 15/1), Mismark (Donnie Russell, 6/1), General Nelson (John Wagner, 8/1), Talbot Redneck (Wayne Long, 6/1) and Yokozuna Bo (Frank Milby, 12/1).

Post time for Saturday’s 15-race card is 7:20 p.m.