by Daina Kazmaier, Rosecroft Publicity Office

Ft. Washington, MD — Tarver Hanover ($3.40, $2.40, $2.10), the 3-5 choice by post time in the $8,200 Open Pace at Rosecroft Raceway on Monday, won by less than a length as regular contender Dixie Pride closed on him with a :28 final quarter.

The classy 6-year-old Ball And Chain horse owned by The Wiz Kids Stable, LLC of Delaware, left the gate from post three to immediately take the lead. Driver Corey Braden rated Tarver Hanover well through moderate early fractions of :27, :57 and 1:25.2.

Meanwhile, Joe Offutt angled Dixie Pride ($4.00, $2.80) off of the rail from last approaching the three-quarter pole and charged late to challenge the front-runner. Dixie Pride, a 6-year-old Real Artist horse, came up short after a valiant effort in the stretch. Tarver Hanover, a trainee of Roy Dinges, won the race in 1:53.2.

JJ’s Artiscape ($3.40) fought through traffic to close for third in the easily handicapped $15.80 trifecta. The 6-year-old gelded son of Artiscape, co-owned by Mayanne Karmin and Sydell Stone, was driven by regular reinsman Corey Callahan. Robert Davison, Jr. trains the gelding.

Rosecroft will resume live racing on Saturday (Feb. 17) with a 7:20 p.m. post time.