by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — JJ’s Artiscape, a winner of seven of 15 seasonal starts, is set to open on the board as the 9-5 choice in the $10,000 Open Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Monday, May 14.

The 6-year-old Artiscape gelding, trained by “Doc” Davison, Jr., shows a big mile last week against similar stock. Driven by Donnie Russell, the gelding made a quarter pole move for the lead to win in a seasonal best of 1:52.4. JJ’s Artiscape, racing for co-owners Mayanne Karmin and Sydell Stone, has been first or second in his last six starts and looks to continue his winning ways this week. Russell will again be in the sulky for the drive.

Finishing second to JJ’s Artiscape last week, Print It is the early second choice on the morning line at 5-2 odds. Racing for owner Jay Kelly, the 5-year-old gelded son of The Panderosa has been a very consistent performer over the Rosecroft oval, winning two starts back in a sharp 1:52.3. Trainer Don Milby has named Frank Milby as driver and the pair will leave the gate from post four.

Sleep Easy will round out the top three at 4-1 odds for co-owners Tom Cooke and Roger Hans. The 5-year-old Dream Away horse will have a new driver at his lines this week, Corey Braden, and the pair will face the starter in post six. Sleep Easy, trained by Hans, has earned over $482,000 lifetime.

The $10,000 Open Trot brings Jim’s Message to the front at 2-1 early odds from post two. As a second place contender to the tough Four Starz Robro last week, the 6-year-old Carry The Message gelding has been showing improvement on speed each start. Last time out, the gelding closed with a :29.3 final quarter for a mile in 1:56.2. Owner-trainer Jeff Long has given Vic Kirby the driving assignment.

Four Starz Eye Van, who was third to Four Starz Robro and Jim’s Message last week, will open on the board at 9-2 odds for co-owners Anthony Longo and trainer Billy Hobbs. The 4-year-old Yankee Glide horse, driven well by Billy Mann last week, will leave the gate from post four with Mann again in the sulky.

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