A light chill clung to the Woodbine morning as Dale Desruisseaux leaned in to give a soft pat along Dixie Law’s neck — a quiet moment between trainer and filly that carried the warmth of belief. It was a fitting picture to open a Saturday card where the Coronation Futurity and the Princess Elizabeth Stakes will see the next generation step into the spotlight.
The $250,000 Coronation Futurity, run over 1 1/8 miles for Canadian-foaled 2-year-olds, has long been a stepping stone toward The King’s Plate, and this year it brings together nine budding talents. Among them is Dixie Law — already a graded stakes winner — who steps out boldly against the colts rather than contesting the Princess Elizabeth.
Dixie Law heads Coronation Futurity field with confidence
Desruisseaux’s reasoning is simple, and delivered with calm assurance: “She has already beaten the boys in the Cup & Saucer, and I think the distance suits her better,” he said. The filly arrives off a determined victory in the Mazarine (G3) on November 2, when Rafael Hernandez waited patiently before asking her to quicken — and she obliged, pulling away by 1¼ lengths in 1:46.71.
“She settles, she waits, and if something comes to her, she responds,” Desruisseaux added. “She’s not the type to open up by ten lengths, but she fights. And she’s still learning.”
Her progression has been near constant: debut winner at Woodbine in July, cup triumph in early October, then a gritty graded success. Even in the Natalma (G1T) when she finished sixth, she was less than three lengths from the winner.
Dixie Law, now 3-0-0 from four starts, worked a comfortable 1:00.00 on November 19 in company with Piper’s Gift — who will feature later in the Princess Elizabeth. The pairing drew nods of approval from the barn. Groom Kyle MacDonald has been by her side every step, a steady presence for a filly who thrives on routine.
Navy Street headlines the opposition
While Dixie Law will attract attention, Navy Street stands ready with momentum of his own. Trained by Sid Attard for Spruce Park Stable, the chestnut was a strong runner-up in the Display Stakes last month after winning on debut with authority. Rider Eswan Flores, who stays aboard, speaks highly of the youngster.
“What’s impressed me most is how quickly he has matured,” Flores said. “He handles pressure, he handles space, and he adapts. That calm mind matters.”
His versatility — happy on the lead or tucked just behind — makes him a genuine threat on Saturday.
Coronation Futurity Field – Race 10
1 – Navy Street – Eswan Flores – Sid Attard
2 – Dixie Law – Rafael Hernandez – Dale Desruisseaux
3 – Imyourmedicineman – Luis Contreras – Harold Ladouceur
4 – Buium – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
5 – Deputy Curlin – Ryan Munger – Mark Casse
6 – Amore Mio – Xarel Forde – Pat Parente
7 – Fire and Wine – Slade Jones – Zeljko Krcmar
8 – Speights Will – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Steven Chircop
9 – Military Time – Fraser Aebly – Mark Casse
Princess Elizabeth opens fresh paths for rising fillies
Eight fillies line up for the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, also worth $250,000 and run at 1 1/16 miles. The race has long served as a gateway to the Woodbine Oaks — a list of past winners includes Moira, Nipissing and Dancethruthedawn, all of whom later claimed the Oaks.
Ashlee B arrives off her debut effort in late October, where she gained valuable education despite finishing sixth. Trainer Patrick Dixon remains optimistic. “She settled, she learned, she finished well,” he said. “This race asks more, but we believe she’s bred for it.”
Ontario-bred Piper’s Gift brings winning confidence, fresh off a commanding Glorious Song Stakes victory. Desruisseaux, who also handles Dixie Law, notes her maturity and sharpness. “If she relaxes behind horses the way she did last time, she has every chance to stretch out,” he said.
Princess Elizabeth Field – Race 8
1 – Fleury – Luis Contreras – Josie Carroll
2 – Bells of Paradise – Fraser Aebly – Josie Carroll
3 – Ashlee B – Da-Sean Gaskin – Patrick Dixon
4 – Piper’s Gift – Rafael Hernandez – Dale Desruisseaux
5 – Backstreet Emma – Emma-Jayne Wilson – Mike De Paulo
6 – La Culasse – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
7 – Katie’s Grace – Ryan Munger – Catherine Day Phillips
8 – Winning Agenda – Jalon Samuel – Sid Attard
Saturday’s card promises emerging talent, future stars, and the kind of wide-eyed excitement only 2-year-olds bring. For Woodbine, the season’s storyline continues — new names, new hopes, and perhaps the next Coronation Futurity winner bound for greater glory.
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