by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Scarlet Brocade will make her first start of the season in the $6,000 top class for distaff pacers at Rosecroft Raceway on Saturday (Feb. 3).

The 10-year-old Big Towner Mare, co-owned by Joan Gannon and Franklin Gannon, Jr., drew post three in the field of seven and is the 5-2 early choice. Coming into this race off of a strong qualifying effort where she finished second in 1:59.2, Scarlet Brocade will be driven by trainer Franklin Gannon III. Last year at Rosecroft, Scarlet Brocade took a mark of 1:55.1 and earned over $19,000. The mare holds a lifetime best mark of 1:49.2 set at Colonial Downs earlier in her career as an 8-year-old.

Another strong contender is Drivin’ Miss Rudee at 3-1 morning line odds. Co-owned by William Camp, Jr. and trainer John Sumner, the 5-year-old Walton Hanover mare recently raced in an extremely competitive class at Dover Downs only to finish seventh. However, the mare shows a wire-to-wire win her last start at Rosecroft with Donnie Russell in the sulky. Russell will guide the mare away from the gate in post five.

The remainder of the field is well matched: Adelias Girl (Timmy Offutt, 5-1) drew the rail, Blissfully High (Brian Burton, 8-1) will face the starter in post position two, Badlands Cowgirl (Walter Callahan, 10-1) drew post position four, Gorgeous Lover (John Wagner, 5-1), racing off lasix, drew post position six and Paradusho N (Frank Milby, 5-1) will come from the outside in post position seven.

Post time for Saturday’s 13-race card is 7:20 p.m. at Rosecroft.