by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — After showing his skills to win in 1:51.2 last week, True North Hanover will attempt a repeat victory in the $9,000 Open Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Tuesday, August 28.

Trained and driven by Donnie Russell, the 4-year-old gelded son of The Panderosa made a quarter-pole move for the lead last week to draw away by 2-1/2 lengths. Co-owned by Russell and Edward Needle, True North Hanover will start from the rail position this week in what could be a wire-to-wire triumph. The winner of nearly $400,000 lifetime will open on the board as the 2-1 morning line choice.

From post four, Crazy For Ever returns to the Maryland oval as the 3-1 second choice on the line. After racing successfully at Harrah’s Chester in an upper-level class, the 6-year-old Life Sign gelding will try his luck in the field of six. Last time at Rosecroft, Crazy For Ever was a winner in 1:52 at even-money odds. Co-owned by Alvin Mindel and trainer George Bartlett, Crazy For Ever has a line of 6-7-2 across the board from 27 seasonal starts. Frank Milby will be in the sulky for the mile.

The remainder of the field is equally matched, and includes Jacob’s Western (Wayne Long, 9-2), Racsan John (Victor Kirby, 4-1), Three Of Spades (Jonathan Roberts, 9-2) and Sleep Easy (Kelly Staten, 8-1).

Juanna Play Slots to headline Open Trot

Juanna Play Slots is set to open up as the 3-1 top choice in the $10,000 Open Trot on Tuesday.

Recently, the 5-year-old Go Get Lost mare was third at Ocean Downs in 1:59.3, competing in a late closer series. Co-owned by Gregg Morris and Thomas Morris, Jr., Juanna Play Slots has been very consistent over the past few months, hitting the board in five of six starts since late June. Starting from post six in the field of eight with Jonathan Roberts in the bike, the mare will attempt to up her lifetime earnings to over $60,000 with another win.

At 4-1 early odds, Magic Swan is definitely one to consider. Returning after a layoff since March, the talented 5-year-old Enjoy Lavec gelding won two qualifying miles in 1:58.2 and 1:58.3 at Rosecroft this month. Trained by Jeff Long, Magic Swan has banked over $382,000 in lifetime earnings. Victor Kirby will drive from post three for owners James Harris and Jeff and Paul Long.

From the rail out, contenders include Goodbye Daddy (Frank Milby, 5-1), Mountain Breez (Chris Offutt, 10-1), Victory Starburst (Kelly Staten, 6-1), Quiet Tech (Donnie Russell, 5-1), Windtalker (Scott Woogen, 10-1) and Brilliant Success (Wayne Long, 5-1).

Post time for Tuesday’s 15-race card is 5:35 p.m.