Sunday, July 15, 2012

DIXIE STRIKE WINS THE PRINCE OF WALES STAKES!

Dixie Strike rallied strongly in the center of the Fort Erie homestretch to win the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes this afternoon, wearing down Colleen's Sailor in deep stretch to win the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown by about a length.

Ridden to victory by Patrick Husbands, Dixie Strike was content to trail the field of nine during the early stages of the race, some nine or ten lengths behind a fairly quick pace of :46.82 seconds set by Menlo Castle and Colleen's Sailor. Ultimate Destiny and Dead On where also close to the pace, with Irish Mission, Run in Aruba, Quaesitor, and Classic Bryce right behind.

Rounding the final turn, Colleen's Sailor moved up to take over the lead from Menlo Castle, while Dixie Strike loomed a serious threat on the far outside. Also contending was Ultimate Destiny, who charged up the fence under a perfect ride from Steven Bahen to challenge for the lead.

Colleen's Sailor drifted outward a bit in the homestretch, forcing Dixie Strike to alter course, but the game filly shifted to the outside and began to reel in the leader. In deep stretch, she wore him down and seized command of the race. A late threat was presented by Ultimate Destiny, who was staying on strongly toward the inside, but Dixie Strike put him away to win the 1 3/16th miles race in 1:57.54.

Ultimate Destiny edged out Colleen's Sailor for second, while Quaesitor rallied to finish fourth.

-Keelerman

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