by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Preliminary divisions of the Maryland Sires Stakes for $3,000 purses are carded for Tuesday, September 4, at Rosecroft Raceway, and freshman and sophomore trotters and pacers will head to the gate.

Early races will be contested; the first is for 3-year-old trotting fillies. The field includes Dilly Dally Delia (Victor Kirby), Teenie Beanie (Syl King, Jr.), Struttin Gabi (Wayne Long), Et And Al (Jonathan Roberts), Secret Impression (John Wagner) and Go Get Blanche (Dan Myer).

The second division for sophomore trotting colts and geldings is a full field of nine. Headed to the gate are Kursk (Frank Milby), Magic Mountain (Jim Morand), Goalline Stand (Jonathan Roberts), Montabello Jake (Donnie Russell), Shenandoah Shag (Victor Kirby), Go Get Jacqui (Syl King, Jr.), Chef Tommy D (Kelly Staten), Jimmy And Josh (Wayne Long) and Xiao Han (Basil Sapienza).

The first wagering race of the evening for 2-year-old filly pacers spotlights the Frederick Kessell owner-entry of Warden Woodie and Jacqui’s Jewells at 2-1 early odds. Warden Woodie has been extremely consistent, hitting the board in each of her six lifetime starts. Still a maiden, the daughter of Allie’s Western will start from post position five with John Wagner at her lines. Last start, at Ocean Downs, Warden Woodie finished second in 1:59. Manley Brown, Jr. trains the winner of nearly $20,000 lifetime.

Jacqui’s Jewells, also trained by Manley Brown, Jr., raced well at Ocean Downs, finishing fifth but closing with a :28.2 last quarter. Chris Offutt will drive the Allie’s Western filly from post eight.

At 5-2 morning line odds, Southern Blue has been sharp as well. Second to Eurobound in her last start at Ocean Downs in 2:00.1, the Nuclear High filly races for owner Gerald Kelly. Trainer Richard Hans has named Jim Morand to drive, and the pair will start from the pole position.

Also contending are Indeman (Frank Milby, 8-1), Winsmith Brianna (Donnie Russell, 9-2), Scotts Girl (Victor Kirby, 5-1), Two Opals (Wayne Long, 15-1) and Misdori (Ben Stafford, Jr., 8-1).

CJ Striker will attempt to extend his win streak to three in a row in the division for 2-year-old colt and gelding pacers. Marked as the 2-1 morning line choice, the Allie’s Western colt drew post position three in the field of eight. Frank Milby will again drive for trainer Quentin McKenney. Currently holding a lifetime mark of 1:57.1 set on August 18 at Rosecroft, CJ Striker has shown strong miles to hit the board in five of seven seasonal starts. Charles Johnson owns the colt.

From the outside of the gate, Boss Outlaw is the 5-2 second choice on the board. The JK Outlaw colt was third in a recent qualifier, pacing in 1:59. However, back in July, the colt won in a blistering 1:54.4 and 1:54.1 in divisions of the Maryland Sires Stakes. Victor Kirby will drive for owner-trainer James Coughlin.

Rounding out the field are Higher Mark (Jonathan Roberts, 8-1), Best Cross (Wayne Long, 6-1), Quick Thinker (Jim Morand, 5-1), GB’s Li’l Misfit (John Wagner, 5-1), Only Shot (Donnie Russell, 5-1) and Coppertop (Billy Mann, 10-1).

Post time for Tuesday night’s 15-race card is 5:35 p.m. and both the Open Trot and Pace are to be contested as well.