by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — After showing much success in upper-level classes at Harrah’s Chester, Celtic Hall is set to open on the board as the 9-5 morning line choice in the $10,000 Open Trot — the 14th race — at Rosecroft Raceway on Tuesday night, November 6.

On November 1, the 6-year-old Garland Lobell gelding finished third in a Winners Over event at Chester, trotting in 1:56.3 to cross under the wire just three-quarters of a length off of the winner. Trained and driven by Donnie Russell, Celtic Hall has earned over $168,000 lifetime and will start from post position five against a field of seven. Russell co-owns Celtic Hall with Edward Needle.

Also contending are Colonel Talbot (Francisco Del Cid, 8-1), Cum On Windswept (Wayne Long, 5-1), Penn Tag (Victor Kirby, 5-1), Mountain Breez (Chris Offutt, 9-2), Amber Alert (Corey Braden, 8-1) and Duya Kid (Frank Milby, 6-1).

Two divisions of the $8,000 Open Pace are also scheduled for the card. Another trainee of Donnie Russell, True North Hanover, is the 9-5 choice in the fifth race. The 4-year-old gelded son of The Panderosa, co-owned by Russell and Edward Needle, shows consistent speed over several tracks including Rosecroft, Chester and Harrington. The winner of over $412,000 lifetime will start from post position three with Russell at his lines.

Barolo Hanover is another to consider at 2-1 early odds. The 5-year-old gelding by The Panderosa last raced in the Rosecroft Preferred on September 29, finishing fifth in 1:53.4. Barolo Hanover also took a mark of 1:52.1 at Tioga Downs on September 14, so if the gelding is sharp he could be a strong competitor.

Rounding out the field are Sleep Easy (Victor Kirby, 5-1), Three Of Spades (Frank Milby, 5-1) and JJ’s Artiscape (Billy Mann, 5-1).

In the tenth race, Instigator is the 5-2 top choice from post position four. The 7-year-old Presidential Ball gelding, trained by Bib Roberts, was very successful at Rosecroft before the break, finishing second in four consecutive miles. Frank Milby will drive the gelding for owners Graham Grace Stables LLC.

At 3-1 early odds from the rail, SA Monterosa has been sharp in upper-level claimers at Chester. On September 16, the 6-year-old gelded son of The Panderosa posted a win in 1:53.3. Kelly Staten will drive for trainer Thomas Swann. Lois Swann owns SA Monterosa.

Okeechobee Joe (Corey Braden, 7-2), Armbro Cabot (Donnie Russell, 6-1), Mattjestic Art (Wayne Long, 4-1) and Ethical Hanover (Alvin Lineweaver, 6-1) complete the field.

Post time for the 15-race card is 5:35 p.m.