Woodbine Racecourse will host a key summer stepping stone on Saturday as graded stakes winner Dixie Law takes on six rivals in the $150,000 Selene Stakes (G3), a race that carries major significance on the road towards the Woodbine Oaks Presented by Stella Artois.
Selene Stakes preview
The Selene Stakes preview highlights a talented group of three-year-old fillies, with Dixie Law arriving after a determined return to action and aiming to strengthen her credentials for bigger assignments later in the season.
The daughter of Tiz the Law, trained by Dale Desruisseaux, made a memorable seasonal debut in the Ruling Angel Stakes over seven furlongs at Woodbine. After a demanding stretch battle, Dixie Law pushed through to secure a narrow victory in 1:22.58, showing the fighting quality that has become a feature of her racing style.
“She showed what a determined horse she is,” Desruisseaux said after the victory. “She had to really dig down deep to get the win, and she kept fighting all the way to the wire.”
Dixie Law enters the Selene Stakes preview with an impressive record from her two-year-old campaign. She won three of her five starts last season, including the Mazarine Stakes (G3) and the Cup & Saucer Stakes, establishing herself among the leading young fillies at Woodbine.
Her first career victory came in July at Woodbine when she produced a strong late run to win a six-furlong contest on the E.P. Taylor turf. She later stepped into Grade 1 company in the Natalma Stakes, finishing sixth but beaten only a few lengths in a competitive field.
The filly then captured the $250,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes before adding another stakes success in the Mazarine Stakes in November. She finished her season with a fourth-place effort in the Coronation Futurity against a strong group of runners.
Desruisseaux believes Dixie Law has returned in excellent condition after overcoming minor setbacks at the end of her juvenile season.
“We had a couple of issues at the end of the year, but she has come back in great shape,” he said. “We are very happy with the way she is training.”
Her recent preparation has included two sharp workouts at Woodbine. Dixie Law covered five furlongs in a quick :59.20 on June 7 before completing another five-furlong move in 1:00.00 on June 17.
The trainer also sees the Selene Stakes as an important step towards bigger targets, including the Woodbine Oaks and possibly the King’s Plate.
The seven-horse Selene Stakes field features several respected contenders. Dixie Law will break from post one with Rafael Hernandez aboard, while Luster and Bold Time represent trainer Josie Carroll. Mark Casse sends out Classic Move and Lake Louise, with Katie’s Grace and Tulip completing the field.
With the Woodbine Oaks approaching, Saturday’s contest offers Dixie Law another opportunity to prove she belongs among the top three-year-old fillies in Canada.
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