by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Freshman qualifiers were held on Wednesday morning (August 22) at Rosecroft Raceway, and the Real Artist colt Solar Powered paced gate-to-wire in 1:56.3.

Driven by John Wagner for trainer George Teague, Jr., the colt led the field through ever-increasing fractions of :30, :59 and 1:28 to win by three-quarters of a length. Solar Powered paced to the wire in a :28.3 last quarter, and is owned by Elmer Fannin of Delaware.

In a trotting division, China Road won by over seven lengths in 2:06 with trainer Jim King, Jr. in the sulky. The son of CR Commando, owned by John Lohnes of Maine and Joann Looney-King of Delaware, was unchallenged through fractions of :32.3, 1:04.3 and 1:35.4.

Star Crossed won his trot race in 2:04.4. The Donerail colt sat second through the mile to win in the stretch by 1-3/4 lengths. Victor Kirby piloted the colt through quarters of :30.4, 1:03.1 and 1:34.2. Roger Hammer trains for owner Todd Schadel of Pennsylvania.

Live racing action returns this Saturday, August 25, at 7:20 p.m.