by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — An 11-race card is set for this Thursday, June 7, at Rosecroft Raceway in honor of the Washington Hospital Center‘s “Race For Life” benefit.

Sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the hospital, the “Race For Life” benefit funds worthy programs and projects that are not covered in the Washington Hospital Center’s budget.

Four pacing divisions of the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund are set for 3-year-olds; the first group comes in race four worth $16,600. Flashy Yankee, at 3-1 morning line odds, is the early favorite in a tough field of eight fillies. The sophomore daughter of The Panderosa was fourth in her last start at the Meadows, pacing in 1:54. Trained by Doug Snyder, Flashy Yankee currently has a lifetime mark of 1:55.2 set on May 12. Corey Braden will drive from post two, and the pair will race for co-owners Jacob Ramsburg and Jan and Doug Snyder.

Honeyland (Wayne Long, 7-2), Hot Hip Happening (John Wagner, 6-1), My Aunt Margaret (Vic Kirby, 5-1), Tell Hillary (Donnie Russell, 6-1), Temptress Tracey (Tim Curtin, 8-1), Dig Alittle Deeper (Jonathan Roberts, 8-1) and Lisphia (Frank Milby, 6-1) round out the field.

In the fifth race, a $15,500 division for colts and geldings, Mountain Air is the early top choice from the rail at 2-1 odds. The Badlands Hanover gelding has had a successful 3-year-old season so far, sporting a line of 1-4-1 across the board from nine starts. Four starts back at Pocono Downs, Mountain Air took his lifetime mark of 1:55.2 with Herve Filion in the sulky. Syl King, Jr. trains and co-owns the gelding with Rosalind Silletto, Frank Burgaretta and Joseph Benedetti, Jr.

Also facing the starter are Western Jet (Corey Braden, 3-1), Philadelphiafreedom (Vic Kirby, 5-2), Winsmith Joe (John Wagner, 12-1), Tylan High (Wayne Long, 10-1), Western Invader (Tim Curtin, 8-1) and Jesse’s Bad Boy (Frank Milby, 6-1).

The seventh race for colts and geldings worth $15,500 brings Southern Myles to the top at 4-5 odds from post seven. Recently qualifying in a huge 1:53.1 mile at Rosecroft, the Nuclear High colt has been extremely successful in his endeavors to date. Last year, Southern Myles won over $104,000 in 15 starts — 10 of those starts were victories. Richard Hans trains the colt for owner Gerald Kelly and Jonathan Roberts will drive.

Southern Myles will face off with Yokozuna Bo (Matt Stelick, 10-1), Allamerican Reason (Corey Braden, 5-1), Fast Tempo (Tim Curtin, 6-1), Bet The Aces (Frank Milby, 8-1), General Nelson (John Wagner, 8-1) and Mismark (Vic Kirby, 10-1).

The fillies return for their second division worth $16,100 in the ninth race, and Double Flip looks to continue her winning ways at 8-5 early odds. The Badlands Hanover filly, co-owned by the Winbak Farm, John Wagner and Earl Wagner, drew the rail in the field of eight pacers. Last year, Double Flip dominated the stakes season, winning seven of 12 starts and earning over $109,000. John Wagner will drive for trainer Manley Brown, Jr.

Lady Down The Hall (Joe Offutt, 6-1), Goddess’s Angel (Corey Braden, 3-1), Thevoodoothatyoudo (Frank Milby, 8-1), Miss Fanelli (Vic Kirby, 6-1), High Speed Racer (Jonathan Roberts, 8-1), On The Money (Gary Cameron II, 15-1) and Lloydsmapleleaf (Tim Curtin, 20-1) are also programmed.

During the evening, exhibition races will be held featuring Maryland Racing Commission officials paired with professional drivers.

Post time for Thursday’s card is 7:20 p.m.