Darlin Dixie cuts back at Remington

Darlin Dixie, a two-turn stakes winner with a sprint-oriented pedigree, cuts way back in distance Sunday for the $30,000 Adena Springs Matchmaker Turf Sprint at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

Darlin Dixie is looking for her first stakes win around one turn after several close calls. She is the most accomplished of the seven fillies and mares in the five-furlong Matchmaker, which, in addition to the purse, gets the winner a free season to one of three stallions who stand at Frank Stronach's Adena Springs Farm in Kentucky: Golden Missile, Wild Rush, or Running Stag. Stronach's Magna Entertainment owns Remington Park.

Darlin Dixie, third last month in the $30,000 Carris Memorial at Remington for trainer Donnie Von Hemel, turns back from 1 1/16 miles for the Matchmaker, and the distance move should suit her.

In addition to pedigree - her half-brother Illusive Ghost was a turf sprint specialist who earned $326,780 - she has been competitive the last two times she has cut back from a route to one turn. Darlin Dixie should also have plenty of pace in front of her Sunday. Don Pettinger will ride.

Her chief rivals all have speed, among them Supreme Discovery, who was prominent throughout last month to win the $30,000 Ponca City at Remington. In that race, she set a half-mile fraction of 44 seconds, then went on to cover six furlongs in 1:10.30.

Idadidit, who contested the Ponca City pace and finished third, figures to be prominent again in the Matchmaker. Another entrant with speed is Fashion Lover, who returns to racing with fillies and mares after finishing second against male rivals last out in the $42,000 Tulsa Sprint at Fair Meadows on July 20.

for entries.

Subscribers: to purchase Past Performances.

Non-subscribers: Click here to purchase Past Performances.