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They're both strong candidates for All-American honors and the Flashy Sir Award as the country's top distance greyhound.

One races at Wheeling Island - Kiowa Power Pak - while the other - TMC's Remedy - shines at Derby Lane in Florida.

Now, it appears the two middle distance superstars will be locking horns.

It was confirmed Tuesday that Kiowa Power Pak has arrived in Florida where he will compete in the upcoming $100,000 Distance Classic at the St. Petersburg racetrack. This week's development undoubtedly will generate plenty of excitement as well as give the industry a much needed shot in the arm.

"Power Pak coming to Derby Lane is definitely going to be among this year's racing highlights. It's exciting he's here - Wheeling's top win leader, the 3/8 phenom," Vera Filipelli, Director of Media Relations/Publicity at Derby Lane in Florida, said. "I don't believe there is anyone in racing who doesn't know who Kiowa Power Pak is and now he will be showcased to an even bigger audience with the Derby Lane simulcast network."

Power Pak, who races out of the Steubenville Kennel at Wheeling and is owned by James O'Donnell, brings an outstanding resume to Florida.

Not only was Power Pak Wheeling's win champion with 31 in 2009, but he dominated the competition - 14 of his victories were by 5 1/2 lengths or more, including five by at least 10 lengths. He also had nine, six and five (twice) -race win streaks.

TMC's Remedy, who possesses Power Pak's come-from-behind racing style, had a stellar year at Derby Lane - winning both of the track's major 660-yard stakes. He was the $100,000 Distance Classic champion last April and the $75,000 Distance Challenge champ in December.

Remedy will defend his distance title against Power Pak in March.

Owned by Eddie McDonald, Remedy races out of the Filipelli & O'Donnell Kennel at Derby Lane and trained by John Filipelli. Power Pak will be racing out of the same kennel.

"Power Pak's portfolio is impressive and my kennel will certainly be in the spotlight when this stake begins. Receiving and handling any track's top dog is an honor, especially one of Power Pak's caliber," John Filipelli said. "Remedy will be defending his title in the stake. This dog is phenomenal and has nothing to prove here at Derby Lane. He just needs to stay sound."

The O'Donnell's decision to send Power Pak to Florida marks the second time in a few months that a top notch distance greyhound has traveled to Derby Lane to face Remedy. Last year, Djays Octane shipped over from Southland for the 660-Yard Challenge.

"Southland stakes winner Djays Octane came in and generated a buzz leading up to the 660-Yard Challenge final in December. Fans went crazy when Remedy and Octane were in the same race," Vera Filipelli said. "The two met five times with the final score: Remedy three, Octane two. I expect an even bigger buzz once fans see Kiowa Power Pak's name in our program."

The first round of the $100,000 Distance Classic is scheduled for March 27, with the final on Saturday evening, April 10. Power Pak must have four official 660-yard races before the stake begins.

"By coming in early, Power Pak should have enough time to get adjusted to this track," Vera Filipelli said. "It's going to be interesting to see how he embraces this track, but I have a feeling he's going to like it."

John Filipelli also believes Power Pak will handle the Derby Lane surface well.

"I have no doubt Power Pak will handle this track well since he has raced even longer distances at Wheeling," John Filipelli said. "Like everyone else, I can't wait."

Wheeling's 3/8 course is 678 yards compared to Derby Lane's 660 yards.

John Filipelli said Power Pak will probably school in a couple weeks.

"I want to get him acclimated to his new surroundings," John Filipelli noted. "You should see him in schooling in approximately two weeks and then he will go active."

The pending matchup between the two distance aces - Power Pak and Remedy - and the expected excitement is reminiscent of the craziness generated when Kiowa Sweet Trey left Wheeling in 2001 to compete against Talentedmrripley at Derby Lane.

Wheeling fans felt Trey was the top sprinter in the country at that time while the Derby Lane faithful cast their votes for their beloved Ripley. The matchup fueled the message boards and injected new excitement into the sport.

Vera Filipelli remembers it well and hopes the Power Pak-Remedy races again spur fan interest.

"The Trey and Ripley matchup was historic. Power Pak's presence creates the same synergy. Our fans love Remedy and they are about to be introduced to another phenom," Vera Filipelli said. "I expect the greyhound chatrooms to explode now that it is confirmed Pak is here to contend for the prestigious Distance Classic title."

Power Pak will be returning to Wheeling following the Distance Classic, although fans may see him on a different course.

"When Power Pak comes back to Wheeling, we just might unleash him on the marathon distance," Pauline O'Donnell said recently.

Wheeling fans, thrilled time and time again by Power Pak's fantastic finishes, will still be able to follow and wager on the distance warrior as he campaigns in Florida.

"Patrons in Wheeling won't miss a beat since they'll be able to watch Power Pak through the simulcast network. It's a win-win situation," Vera Filipelli said. "Power Pak will be able to display his talents and he'll get the exposure he hasn't had before with Derby Lane's 300 outlets worldwide. I believe fans watching him for the first time will follow him when he gets back to Wheeling."

Power Pak, a January 2007 greyhound out of Kiowa Mon Manny-Kiowa More Mar, had 31 wins, 7 seconds, 6 thirds and 2 fourths in 47 starts in 2009. In 84 career races, he has 49 wins, 14 seconds, 8 thirds and 8 fourths.

Remedy, a July 2006 greyhound out of Lonesome Cry-TMC's Josalynn, had 20 wins, 18 seconds, 6 thirds and 3 fourths in 54 starts at Derby Lane in 2009. According to Greyhound-data, he has 44 wins, 39 seconds, 28 thirds and 10 fourths in 143 career races.

IN THE HOMESTRETCH:

HOT DOGS: Lester Raines Kennel's Kelsos Lorenzo has won five out of his last six Grade AA races for trainer Joel Roden. Kennel-mate Barts Garruious has back-to-back victories (B, A).

Gable Kennel's Cry Case has four wins and a second in his last five Grade AA 3/8 starts for trainer Wayne Piquette.

Plum Creek Kennel's Charlie Daniels (AA) and Colbie Caillat (B, A) have back-to-back victories for trainer Joe Otto.

Wayne Ward Kennel's WW Kay September has two straight wins (A, AA) for trainer Ron Otto.

Wayne Strong Kennel's Slatex Jazz has back-to-back victories (A, AA) for trainer Kim Hawkins.

Abrahamson Kennel's CTW Dune Buggy has won three out of his last four outings (M, C, B) for trainer Tom Engle.

Steve Sarras Kennel's Deluxe Vintage has two wins and a second in her last three races for trainer Barbara Long.

Green-Maupin Kennel's M's Teri M has two wins in a row (B, A) for trainer Jay Hawkins.

Pawloski can be reached at sjpawloski@yahoo.com