Dancethruthedawn romps

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Dancethruthedawn already has accomplished just about all she can in her Canadian homeland, having beaten colts last June in the prestigious Queen's Plate. So after Dancethruthedawn made a highly impressive return to the races Thursday by winning the $107,600 Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland, trainer Mark Frostad said the primary goals this year would be major filly-mare events in the United States

"That's what we'll be going for," said Frostad.

Dancethruthedawn, a 4-year-old filly bred and owned by Sam-Son Farm, was thoroughly dominant in winning the 1 1/16-mile Doubledogdare. Ridden by Robby Albarado, she got a perfect trip from just behind a pair of dueling leaders, then easily took command in the turn to win by 5 1/2 lengths over Maltese Superb.

Dancethruthedawn, by Mr. Prospector out of Sam-Son's champion mare Dance Smartly, returned $4.20 as the favorite in a field of five fillies and mares. The race was her first since she finished fourth in the Grade 1 Alabama in August. She finished in 1:42.92 over a fast track.

De Bertie, the 2-1 second choice, was never in contention when finishing third, another 4 1/2 lengths back. Extend and Waki Music completed the order of finish.

Frostad said Dancethruthe-dawn, who now has won six of11 starts and over $1.3 million, likely would compete in high-grade races on the East Coast, with the Oct. 26 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Arlington Park being the ultimate goal.