The Dixie Stakes – Grade II
1 1/16 Mile Turf Stake Purse $250.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st       Hollywood Hero         Nakamura Stables       Carrasco V R

My two theories once again solidified a little in my mind with this outcome. Firstly the older horses are more competitive now than they were in previous years against three year olds and secondly that the same change hasn’t been applied to fillies against older horses.
Anyway so back to Hollywood Hero who traveled in the perfect spot and had plenty left to get home by a quarter length in his best ever race. After the disappointing effort on the Elkhorn he was back to his best and some today and is yet another for the Nak to try and get into the BC.

2nd     Lets Do It Big Boy        RNP Stables        McCarthy T

Coming off a 14 day break after a fair effort in the Forrester this great old boy found a new lease of life along with a new running style going to the stalk for the first time in years. Whether it was that old gaming click and change or the wide draw only his trainer will know but the old fella was brave all the way to the line after looking beaten on the turn. Another great effort by a real old favorite.

3rd        Afterburner       Arindel         Gutierrez Mario

Another coming off two weeks break after a terrible run in the KYD he ran a cracker from on the pace was was just not as strong as the older horses at the end. It will be interesting to see where he goes next after thus run n the grass.

4th      Commander Wellesley        Jive Inc.        Saez G

After two huge efforts in the Makers Mark and the Kilroe i couldn’t help but be a little disappointed by this rather lack lustre effort. He was a bit wide but still showed nothing after half way and was a well beaten fourth in the end.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES