Dixie's Gamble gets through on rail to win Overskate Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Dixie’s Gamble dominated his four rivals in Saturday’s $100,000 Overskate Stakes at Woodbine under a patient ride from Luis Contreras.

Dixie’s Gamble ($4) tracked pacemaker Speedy Conner through sleepy fractions in the seven-furlong sprint for Ontario-sired stock. He awaited room on the turn, and then scooted up the rail in the stretch to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in a time of 1:25.03.

Magical Man rallied wide from fifth for second. Silent Jimmie was promoted over Speedy Conner to third after that rival interfered with him in the stretch. Jacks Escarpment trailed.

“I was really pleased,” Contreras said. “The horse relaxed behind the slow pace. I just put him behind that horse on the lead, and when I saw the opportunity to [go along the rail], he just went through and gave me everything. I was very confident with my horse. I know him very well, and he was 100 percent today.”

Dixie’s Gamble picked up $60,000 in his first stakes success for owner-breeder Ivan Dalos. Josie Carroll trains the 4-year-old son of Gamble’s Exchange, who was bred in Ontario.