Country Candy doesn't need the lead in Dixie Belle

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Country Candy drew what might prove to be an ideal post for the $125,000 Dixie Belle for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Oaklawn Park. She will break from gate 7 in a field of the same size, and while she has the speed to show the way in the six-furlong race, she also could track runners drawn to her inside.

“Outside, nobody’s putting pressure on us,” said trainer J.R. Caldwell.

The field also includes Chanel’s Legacy, the winner of the $50,000 E.L. Gaylord Memorial at Remington Park; Vertical Oak, the winner of an optional $75,000 claiming sprint last out at Churchill Downs; and My Sweet Stella, who is cutting back to one turn after finishing off the board in the Grade 2 Golden Rod, won by the impressive Farrell.

Dixie Belle, Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Country Candy, by Intimidator

Last 3 Beyers: 65-59-56

◗ She is the most accomplished member of the field as a two-time stakes winner. She captured the $60,000 Evangeline Downs Princess on Aug. 27 and the $65,000 fillies’ division of the Texas Stallion Stakes on Nov. 5 at Retama Park. Both races were won wire-to-wire, but Country Candy has versatility, as evidenced by her third-place finish in the $100,000 Debutante last July at Churchill Downs.

“She’s always quick,” Caldwell said. “At Evangeline, we had to hold her position, and she kicked away. At Churchill, she sat behind horses and finished strong. We don’t have to be on the lead.”

◗ Country Candy, freshened following the Texas Stallion Stakes, is based at Oaklawn.

“She’s settled in, worked a couple of times over the track, and has been good,” Caldwell said. “She’s fresh and ready to go. I think she’ll run a good race. The competition looks steep. There’s a couple of nice fillies in there.”

◗ Marlon St. Julien has the mount.

Chanel’s Legacy, by Dominus

Last 3 Beyers: 61-68-69

◗ She is cutting back to one turn off a pair of route stakes. The last time she sprinted, she won the Gaylord Memorial in October over a field that included Country Candy. Following that race, Chanel’s Legacy ran fourth in both the Grade 3, $400,000 Delta Downs Princess in November and the $100,000 Trapeze in December at Remington.

◗ Alex Birzer has the mount for Poindexter Thoroughbreds and trainer Lynn Chleborad.

Vertical Oak, by Giant Oak

Last 3 Beyers: 74-69-82

◗ She has natural speed and could set the pace or track Country Candy.