by Mike Wandishin, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — The last pre-meet qualifiers will take place with a first post of 11 a.m. on Friday (March 2) at Rosecroft Raceway.

As usual, a wide variety of entrants will be attempting to qualify, with some notables to be on hand including driver-trainer Steve Warrington of Sanabelle Island fame.

In the first race, a trotting event, Ja’s Charmer returns to the races for her sophomore campaign. This one recorded three wins in Sires Stakes competition for trainer-driver John Wagner and hopes to regain the form that saw her hit the ticket in the first five starts of her career.

In the second race, local favorite Lislea Pat makes his return to the races after a successful fall campaign at Rosecroft. He got sharp and went from non-winners of two races life to the non-winners of $30,000 lifetime class under the guidance of John Wagner. This 4-year-old is one to watch at Rosecroft this year.

The third race marks the return to Rosecroft of Steve Warrington who has successfully campaigned in the Mid-Atlantic region for many years and been a major factor wherever he decided to race. He’ll be behind El Cumanchero whom he owns and trains. Warrington is right back in the fourth race with Check Dons Pulse, a 3-year-old who has been getting ready for his pari-mutuel debut.

The fifth race is highlighted by SJs Warrior from “Team Offutt” and this 10-year-old has made more than $130,000 lifetime and was last seen battling tough ones at Chester.

The sixth race will probably be the fastest mile of the day and features a solid field. Stacey McLenaghan will handle Beyond Perfection from the two hole and this one ended the season in excellent form, hitting the ticket in 10 of 11 starts and banking more than $10,000 for owner Ron McLenaghan.

Justin Hite will have the seat behind the hard-hitting gelding Grab The Fortune and this one had success at Rosecroft last fall.

If this was a betting race the favorite would probably be the Offutt Stable’s Bodine Hanover, who shows a 1:52 mile last fall competing against tough ones at Chester.

The first draw will take place on Tuesday (March 6) and the box will be open between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day. This draw is for opening night, Saturday (March 10).

For more details, contact the Rosecroft Race Office at 301.567.4401/4435 or go to www.rosecroft.com.