By Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

FT. WASHINGTON, MD – Two of the sharpest horses on the ground will go head to head in the $8,200 Winners Over handicap pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Tuesday – Dixie Pride and Nuclear Breeze.

Both horses took a mark of 1:50.4 on the Rosecroft oval last year, and continue to show their talents, whether competing locally or on the mile track at The Meadowlands.

Nuclear Breeze, a four-year-old Nuclear High stallion, most recently finished an impressive 3^rd in New Jersey. The horse raced in non-winners event with Dave Miller in the sulky from post two; he made up ground in the stretch with a 27.0 last quarter after being shuffled back. Nuclear Breeze finished only one length behind the winner in 1:52.2.

Prior to that race, Nuclear Breeze was victorious at Rosecroft Raceway by over 11 lengths in 1:52.4. Trainer Roger Hans has named Jonathan Roberts to drive, and the pair will leave the gate from post seven as the 5-2 morning line choice. Tom Cooke of Rockville, MD owns Nuclear Breeze.

Making his third start back after a several month layoff is the Dixie Pride. Owned by George Aide and trainer-driver Joe Offutt, the five-year-old son of Real Artist continues to improve; last week, he finished second by a neck in 1:53.4 with a last quarter of 27.4 behind longshot Timely Centurion. The horse was assigned post four in the field of seven, and will open on the board as the 4-1 second choice.

Timely Centurion returns as well at 6-1 odds to face tougher competition for the John Wagner barn. The eight-year-old Western Hanover horse was previously competing at The Meadowlands as well, and successfully so. He will leave the gate from post five for owners Howard and Belle Bauman.

El Rojo Caballo (Todd Schadel, 10-1), Armbro Ben (Walter Callahan, 9-2), The Fraternity Pan (Corey Braden, 5-1) and Sea Man (Tom Jackson, 9-2) round out the extremely strong field.

Post time for Tuesday’s 14-race slate is 5:35 p.m. at Rosecroft Raceway.