In a performance that would have made his namesake proud, Juan Dixon ran a determined and competitive race yesterday at Laurel Park.

Juan Dixon, named after the former University of Maryland standout and current member of the Washington Wizards, nearly wired the field in the eighth race but was caught by Gimmeawink in the final furlong and finished second in the $26,000 allowance race.

Juan Dixon, ridden by Clinton Potts, paid $5 to place and $3.40 to show.

Originally named Chapel Garden, Juan Dixon (the horse) was renamed by owner Robert Cole, a Towson native and University of Maryland graduate.

"It's flattering that someone thinks enough of me to name a horse in my honor," Dixon said.