by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Several of Maryland’s sophomore pacers and trotters participated in qualifying miles at Rosecroft Raceway on Wednesday, May 23, and many of them showed very successful efforts.

Southern Myles, a son of Nuclear High who was named Rosecroft’s 2-year-old colt/gelding pacer of the year in 2006, simply dominated a field of Maryland Standardbred Race Fund eligibles. Grabbing the lead after the half-mile marker with Jonathan Roberts at his lines, Southern Myles drew away from the pack with a :28 last quarter for a mile in 1:59.1. Richard Hans trains the colt for owner/breeder Gerald Kelly.

The 3-year-old filly trotter Ms Virginia took the lead after the quarter-pole in her division with driver John Wagner in the sulky. The CR Commando filly, owned by Lloyd Arnold, topped Gutsy Volo (Tony Morgan) by a neck with a determined try. Manley Brown, Jr. trains Ms Virginia, who is eligible to enter the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund.

Double Flip, a 3-year-old Badlands Hanover filly, turned in perhaps the most impressive mile of the morning, topping the trailers by over seven lengths. Leaving the gate from the rail under the guidance of driver John Wagner, Double Flip took control through quarters of :28.2, :59 and 1:28.1 to win in 1:56. The trainee of Manley Brown, Jr. never quit, pacing home in a :27.4 final quarter. John Wagner co-owns the talented filly with his father, Earl Wagner, and Winbak Farm. Double Flip is eligible for the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund.

Maryland Sire Stakes nominee Secret Impression looked ready to race as well after wiring her field in 2:03.2. The 3-year-old Go Get Lost filly, owned by Pamela Wagner, was driven through moderate fractions by Tony Morgan to win by two lengths. Manley Brown, Jr. trains the trotting filly.