Debut score points out Dixie’s Gamble

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Dixie’s Gamble was a good bet when he won his June 9 debut, and he should be favored to remain unbeaten Friday at Woodbine in an Ontario-sired allowance/$40,000 claimer for nonwinners of two.

On the strength of some fine works, Dixie’s Gamble was the 5-2 second choice in his sevenfurlong opener. He was bumped and got away slowly, and then awaited room on the turn before closing strongly to win going away by three lengths over Timeskip, who subsequently ran fourth in a route.

Dixie’s Gamble’s final time of 1:23.41 translated into a solid 75 Beyer Speed Figure.

On Friday, Dixie’s Gamble shortens to 6 1/2 furlongs, with Luis Contreras retaining the mount for trainer Josie Carroll.

A field of nine was drawn for the feature, which goes as race 6 on an eight-race program that has just one turf event, a $25,000 maiden claimer for fillies and mares.

KEY CONTENDERS

Dixie’s Gamble, by Gamble’s Exchange Beyer: 75

◗ The 3-year-old is sent out by one of Canada’s top ownerbreeders, Ivan Dalos, who campaigned 2017 Canadian champion older female Ami’s Mesa and 2016 Canadian champion 3-year-old Amis Gizmo.

◗ The obscure sire Gamble’s Exchange is an unraced halfbrother to Gamble’s Ghost, a four-time Grade 3 stakes winner for Dalos. Royal Laser, by Giant Gizmo Last 3 Beyers: 68-58-66

◗ He was competitive in Ontario-sired stakes company last year at 2, finishing third in the seven-furlong Frost King. He got the winter off after a seventh in the Dec. 9 Kingarvie Stakes and was a fast-closing second when coming off the bench in a June 15 sprint at this level.

Yallhaveaniceday, by Kentucky Bear Last 3 Beyers: 44-79-52

◗ He benefited from a speed bias in a five-length maiden score going five-eighths on the Tapeta in his penultimate outing, but was dueled into submission on the lead most recently on yielding turf in the Bold Ruckus Stakes.

◗ Six and a half furlongs seems beyond his range, but he could make most of the running with the promising apprentice Kazushi Kimura taking over.

Dancing Quietly, by Silent Name Last 3 Beyers: 62-48-52

◗ After a three-wide trip on the turn under Eurico Da Silva, he wound up third behind Royal Laser following a break June 15.

◗ Leading rider Rafael Hernandez rode him in his first three outings, including his gutsy debut victory last August, and is back aboard Friday.

Cat’s Whisper, by Silent Name Last 3 Beyers: 60-45-35

◗ He has worked nicely since an improved fourth behind Royal Laser and Dancing Quietly on June 15. Trainer Shelley Fitzgerald will give Slade Callaghan a leg up on the gelding.