They are neighbors in the northern Baltimore County manor, separated by rolling tracts of countryside ideal for training long-distance runners.

Their rivalry is intense yet civil, and, in a manner of speaking, they are on the same side.

Between them, Tom Voss and Jack Fisher have won six of the past eight National Steeplechase Association training championships and seven of 11. Entering today's eighth annual Races at Shawan Downs, they have amassed 15 victories each this season and are tied for the lead, five in front of their closest competitors.

Voss is scheduled to send out four competitors on the five-race card, including Motel Affair and Dynaway in the co-featured Legacy Chase. Fisher will counter with seven, including Monte Bianco and Bubble Economy in the featured Ski Roundtop timber race.

"Jack and I are good friends," said Voss, whose last training title was in 2002. "The big thing is one or the other have got to do it [win the crown] and keep it away from Virginia and Pennsylvania. We want it here in Maryland. As far as the races go, it doesn't matter to me whether I'm going against Jack or Joe Blow. I want to win."

Fisher, the defending champion, has captured three races this month to pull even. Since the vast majority of his stable entails jumpers, he has a numbers edge in steeplechasing on Voss, who has more horses altogether but often runs them in flat events.

For the first timber race of the fall season, the Ski Roundtop field has its previous two winners in 2007's Irish Prince, who was unbeaten over timber last year, and Bubble Economy, the 2006 victor and winner of the Virginia Gold Cup in May. Another horse to consider highly is Allimac, who was never headed in two triumphs this spring.

Voss said the recent rainfall might be beneficial since the area has been beset so long by a dry spell.

"A couple of inches of rain are not going to hurt the course," he said. "It will be better than running them over hard ground that tends to break them down easier. Whatever the weather, I think a couple of mine have a good chance."

Gates at Shawan open at 10 a.m. with the first race scheduled for 1 p.m.

legacy chase

What: Eighth annual Legacy Chase

Where: Shawan Downs, Shawan Road

When: Today, first post 1 p.m.

(Legacy Chase at 2 p.m.)

Directions from Baltimore: Take 1-83 north to Falls Road. Go six-plus miles to traffic light at Shawan Road and follow traffic signs.

Tickets: Available for $35 a vehicle.

Beneficiary: Nursing unit at GBMC