by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Three preliminary divisions of the Maryland Sires Stakes, each worth a purse of $3,000, are scheduled for Monday evening at Rosecroft Raceway for 2-year-old pacers.

Two of the races will be early, non-wagering events beginning at 4:50 p.m. In the first race for colts and geldings, the field includes Only Shot (Frank Milby), GB’s Li’l Misfit (John Wagner), Higher Mark (Jonathan Roberts), Masters Remarks (Kim Vincent) and Boss Outlaw (Corey Braden).

The second division for colts and geldings will bring CJ Striker (Frank Milby), Best Cross (John Wagner), Johnny Absolut (Vic Kirby), Misquoted (Betsy Brown), Quick Thinker (Jim Morand) and Take The Field (Corey Braden) to the gate.

The fillies will face-off in a betting race early in the evening, and Scotts Girl will open on the board as the 5-2 morning line choice. Racing for owners Henry Faragalli III, Arthur Feeney, Daniel Doane and Anthony Clark, the freshman daughter of Shotgun Scott won her last start in 1:58.3 with a first-over trip. Victory Kirby will try his hand at the lines for the first time for trainer Shaun Callahan, and the pair will start from post three.

At 3-1 odds, Southern Blue is one to consider from post five. Set to be driven by Jim Morand for owner Gerald Kelly, the Nuclear High filly was second to Scotts Girl last time out. Richard Hans trains the filly.

Completing the full field of nine are Miss Ella C (Jerry Nock, 20-1), Simply Naked (Jonathan Roberts, 10-1), Shotgun Sassy (William “Rusty” Cox, 20-1), Taylorswayornoway (Cliff Green, 5-1), Warden Woodie (John Wagner, 4-1), Indeman (Frank Milby, 10-1) and Winsmith Brianna (Corey Braden, 10-1).

Nuclear Breeze 7-5 choice in Open

Nuclear Breeze returns to the $10,000 top level Open Pace on Monday night, and is set as the overwhelming 7-5 morning line choice in the field of seven.

After winning by two lengths in 1:51.4 last week, the 5-year-old Nuclear High horse will attempt a repeat performance from post position six with Jim Morand in the bike. Trained by Richard Hans for owner Tom Cooke, Nuclear Breeze has been outstanding to date, winning 26 of 47 lifetime starts and banking nearly $350,000.

Contenders include Dixie Pride (Joe Offutt, 6-1), He’s Personal (Vic Kirby, 5-1), Crazy For Ever (Kelly Staten, 4-1), JJ’s Artiscape (Donnie Russell, 6-1), Jasper Bob (John Wagner, 10-1) and No Wishes (Jonathan Roberts, 10-1).

Post time for Monday’s 15-race wagering card is 5:35 p.m.