Flying Zee Racing Stables’ Dakotah Blue will make her first appearance at stakes level when she lines up against eight rivals in the $175,000 Ontario Colleen Stakes (G3T) at Woodbine on Saturday. The one-mile inner turf contest for three-year-old fillies marks a significant step forward for the Rachel Halden-trained filly, who has shown steady progress since making her debut last year.
Dakotah Blue Ontario Colleen Stakes preview is expected to attract strong attention as the daughter of Mendelssohn takes on a deeper field while attempting to build on a series of encouraging performances.
Bred in Kentucky by Grantley Acres, Dakotah Blue began her career last July in a six-furlong turf sprint over the E.P. Taylor course. Although she finished fifth on debut, beaten by 2¾ lengths, the filly displayed late acceleration after being well back early in the race.
Trainer Rachel Halden recalled the performance as a promising introduction for the young runner.
“She ran very well at two, as a first-time starter with a tough post. It was a very encouraging effort,” Halden said. “She doesn’t have the size, but what we knew was that she was a very athletic filly. She has a good mind, but she has some personality and character too.”
Dakotah Blue was given time away from competition following her debut before returning on May 3. She rewarded that patience with a maiden victory, scoring by 1¼ lengths over six furlongs on Woodbine’s main track.
The filly then returned to turf action on June 6 in a 7½-furlong event, where she produced another strong late run. After being seventh and 13 lengths behind the leader at the half-mile stage, she closed powerfully to finish fourth, only 1¼ lengths from the winner.
“It was a very tough race,” Halden said. “In my opinion, she ran a very credible race. She looked like she was looking for a little more ground.”
The Ontario Colleen Stakes will provide that opportunity, with Dakotah Blue stretching out to a mile for the first time. Halden believes the additional distance could play to the filly’s strengths.
“She has a good turn of foot and is always running on. This little bit of a stretch out should suit her well,” the trainer said.
Purchased for $25,000 at the 2023 Keeneland Association November Breeding Stock Sale, Dakotah Blue has continued to impress in training. She completed a four-furlong turf training track breeze in :47.20 on July 12 before working the same distance in :49.00 over the main track one week later.
“She’s been working very well,” Halden added. “She’s a good work horse. She goes out there with purpose and manages to please you every time. She might be little, but she believes she’s big and mighty.”
Regulo Perez serves as Dakotah Blue’s groom.
The Ontario Colleen Stakes has a strong history, with Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse holding the record with eight victories, including seven wins in the previous nine editions. Jockey Patrick Husbands owns the record for most riding successes in the race with five wins.
Dakotah Blue will break from post eight with Jose Campos aboard, while Halden will saddle the filly for her stakes debut.
Dakotah Blue’s progression from a promising debut performer to a stakes contender will be closely watched as she faces her biggest test yet at Woodbine.
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