by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — A full 18-race card is scheduled for Monday evening (June 18) at Rosecroft Raceway, including three early, non-wagering Maryland Sires Stakes events for sophomore trotters.

Racing in the first preliminary division for fillies worth $3,000 are several contenders. Dilly Dally Delia, a winner in 1:58 last time out, will leave the gate from post seven with Victor Kirby in the bike. Et And Al (Jonathan Roberts), Secret Impression (John Wagner), Loss Limitation (George Banks), Struttin Gabi (Basil Sapienza), Teenie Beanie (Syl King, Jr.) and Go Get Blanche (Dan Myer) complete the field.

The $3,000 division for colts and geldings will bring Xiao Han (Walter Callahan), Shenandoah Shag (Vic Kirby), Montabello Jake (Donnie Russell), Jimmy And Josh (Cliff Green), Chef Tommy D (Kelly Staten) and Magic Mountain (Corey Braden) to the gate. Last week, Chef Tommy D pulled a major upset, paying $532.60 to win.

Colts and geldings return for another $3,000 division and the field includes Kursk (Frank Milby), Goalline Stand (Vic Kirby), Lil’ Cocoa (Walter Callahan), Go Get Jacqui (Syl King, Jr.) and High Five (John Wagner).

The Open Pace, set for the tenth race, has Crazy For Ever marked as the early 5-2 choice. Vying for a purse of $9,000, the 6-year-old Life Sign gelding was fifth in the Pocono Downs Open on June 9, pacing in 1:53.1 against tough company. The horse was extremely successful at Rosecroft last year for co-owners Alvin Mindel and George Bartlett, who also trains, winning 12 of 38 starts and taking a mark of 1:50.4. Crazy For Ever was named the 2006 co-horse of the year. Jonathan Roberts will drive the gelding from post four.

The field is very well matched and Dixie Pride is the 3-1 second choice after easily winning a conditioned pace last week over the Rosecroft oval. Trained and driven by Joe Offutt, the 6-year-old Real Artist horse has six wins posted this year already with a seasonal best time of 1:51.4. Offutt co-owns Dixie Pride with George Aide.

From the rail, JJ’s Artiscape will open on the board at 7-2 odds. Racing well his last two starts, the 6-year-old Artiscape gelding will have Billy Mann in the sulky for the first time. “Doc” Davison, Jr. trains for owners Mayanne Karmin and Sydell Stone.

Virtually unbeatable at Rosecroft, Four Starz Robro headlines the $8,000 Open Trot in the 14th race at 6-5 morning line odds. Racing for owner Kelley Rogers, the 5-year-old Conway Hall horse has been on the board his last three starts. Trained by Judy Welty, the winner of over $173,000 lifetime will leave the gate from post four with driver Corey Braden in the bike.

After winning two consecutive miles at Rosecroft, Jim’s Message steps back up in class and is the early 5-2 second choice. Owned and trained by Jeff Long, the 6-year-old Carry The Message gelding drew post two. Showing much improvement recently, Jim’s Message sports a line of 5-4-1 across the board from 13 seasonal starts. Regular reinsman Vic Kirby will drive.

Post time for the early races is 4:50 p.m., and the wagering card will start at 5:35 p.m.