There’s a special kind of confidence that only the good ones carry, and on a crisp Sunday afternoon at Woodbine, Dixie Law showed she’s got it in spades. Under a perfectly-timed ride from Rafael Hernandez, the daughter of Tiz the Law delivered a decisive performance in the $150,000 Grade 3 Mazarine Stakes Presented by Ketel One, stamping herself as one of Canada’s most promising juvenile fillies.
For trainer Dale Desruisseaux and owner-breeder Garland Williamson’s Hillsbrook Farms, this was more than just another stakes victory — it was a sign that their homebred filly is maturing into something special. Making her first start on the main track after three turf tries, Dixie Law settled comfortably in mid-pack while early leader Bold Time dictated a moderate tempo through fractions of :25.11 and :50.26.
When Hernandez tipped her out turning for home, Dixie Law quickened with purpose. The filly surged past the leaders with an effortless stride, drawing clear by 1¼ lengths at the wire in 1:46.71 for 1 1/16 miles. Vanity finished strongly for second, ahead of Katie’s Grace in third, while Backstreet Emma completed the quartet.
“We didn’t think there was going to be a ton of speed in here,” said Desruisseaux, smiling in the winner’s circle. “She’s much better when she’s tracking horses, so when she was sitting off them early, I was pretty happy. She’s been a really nice filly from the start.”
The Mazarine marked Dixie Law’s second stakes triumph, following her victory in the Cup & Saucer Stakes on October 5. Her sixth-place finish in the Grade 1 Natalma on September 13 — beaten just 2½ lengths at odds of 48-1 — hinted that more was to come.
“We think she’s a really nice filly, and she’s proving she can run against almost anybody,” said Williamson. “Just like last time, this was another tough group. She keeps stepping up.”
Now boasting a record of three wins from four starts, Dixie Law continues to build an impressive resume for Hillsbrook Farms. Her maiden win came back in July on the E.P. Taylor turf course, and her transition to the main track on Sunday could open up even more options ahead of the 2026 season.
Sent off as the 2-1 favorite, she paid $6.10 for the win — a fair return for a filly who looks destined for bigger stages.
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