by Mike Wandishin, for Rosecroft Raceway

Ft. Washington, MD — Racing returns to Rosecroft Raceway this Saturday morning (Sept. 8) with a six race qualifying card beginning at 10 a.m. Two trotting races and four pacing races are on tap for the morning.

Six horses that have never faced the gate will appear in the qualifiers and the defending Trotter of the Meet and fan favorite, Stargazer Lily, makes her return to the races after a summer vacation.

The ultra consistent trotter hit the ticket on seven of eight starts last spring and only missed the ticket on a night the track was labeled good. Frank Miller, Jr. owns and trains the 7-year-old daughter of Tejano, who also set her lifetime mark last spring.

Trainer Joe Offutt sends five to qualify in preparation for defending his leading trainer title and Justin Vincent will be on hand to drive as he prepares to defend his leading driver title.

Horsemen interested in racing privileges at Rosecroft Raceway for the Fall 2012 meet are reminded that applications, available on Rosecroft’s website, are due at the Rosecroft Race Office by 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night for horses hoping to compete during the first week of racing. Thereafter, changes to racing rosters will be due Saturday evenings at 11:30 p.m.

Purses have increased an average of 75 pecent since the Spring meet and competition is expected to be even stronger during the Fall meet.

Rosecroft will continue to race Tuesday and Saturday with a first post of 7:25 p.m. from Sept. 15 to Dec. 22. For more details go to Rosecroft’s website at www.rosecroft.com.