Amy's Challenge outduels Mia Mischief in Dixie Belle

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Amy’s Challenge remained undefeated in three starts when she eked past Mia Mischief nearing the wire for a neck win in the $125,000 Dixie Belle on Saturday at Oaklawn Park. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back in third to Secret Passion.

The Dixie Belle was a six-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies.

Amy’s Challenge ($4.80 ) was making her first start against fillies after defeating colts in both her career debut in an August maiden special weight at Canterbury and the track’s Shakopee Juvenile in her season finale Sept. 16. She had been working at Oaklawn for her first start of the year, and it turned out to be a dog fight.

Mia Mischief won a cavalry charge for the lead, moving to the fore through an opening quarter in 21.48 seconds. Amy’s Challenge, who bobbled at the start, quickly joined the 4-5 favorite and the pair raced through a half-mile in 44.49 seconds. The duel continued through the stretch, with Amy’s Challenge just edging her rival to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:10.61.

Jareth Loveberry was aboard Amy’s Challenge for trainer Mac Robertson.

Robertson said Amy’s Challenge could make her two-turn debut next, in the $125,000 Martha Washington. The one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies is Feb. 10 at Oaklawn.

“The way she’s bred and the way she trains – she’s a longstriding filly – we’re hoping she gets two turns,” said Robertson.

Amy’s Challenge is a daughter of Artie Schiller and the mare Jump Up, who was a winner at two turns, said Robertson. Amy’s Challenge races for Novogratz Racing Stables. She earned $75,000 for her Dixie Belle win to improve her earnings to $136,800.

Minit to Stardom, also undefeated, was scratched from the Dixie Belle.