by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — After being continuously challenged throughout the first half of the mile, Dragon Island ($4.60, $3.00, $2.80) fended off all competitors to win the $10,200 Open Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Tuesday (Nov. 21).

The 4-year-old gelded son of Dragon Again, owned by Richard Edison of Maine, paced diligently on the front end during the entire mile, leading the field through quarters of :27.3, :55.2 and 1:23.4 to win in 1:54.1. Driven by John Wagner for trainer Manley Brown, Jr., Dragon Island earned his fourth win of the season from 21 starts and upped his lifetime earnings to over $78,000.

No Wishes, driven by Jonathan Roberts, pushed Dragon Island for the lead early in the race. Parked out through the mile, the 7-year-old No Nukes gelding held strong on the outside through the first half of the mile until finally succumbing to the hot pace.

Last week, Dixie Pride ($2.80, $2.60) showed his talent by wiring a similar field in 1:53.4 as the betting favorite. This week, however, the 5-year-old Real Artist stallion came first-over to challenge Dragon Island and held on for second with trainer Joe Offutt in the sulky. Dixie Pride, a winner of eight seasonal starts, is co-owned by Offutt and George Aide.

Homeland Hero ($19.80) pulled an upset for third as the longest shot in the race. Driven smartly by trainer John Baxter, the 5-year-old Western Hero gelding followed Dixie Pride on the outside to finish 1-1/4 lengths off of the winner. Homeland Hero races for the Baxter Stables, LLC.

The 4-2-3 trifecta returned $78.00, and JJ’s Artiscape (Corey Callahan) rounded out the $475.80 superfecta with a late brush up the rail.

Live racing continues at Rosecroft on Saturday (Nov. 25). Post time is set for 7:20 p.m.