Filly and Mare Sprint: Alix M scores easily

Alix M didn't make it to the races until the summer of her 4-year-old campaign, but she has crammed a lot of success into a very short time, culminating Saturday with a 3 1/2-length victory over prohibitive favorite Bear Fan in the $300,000 .

Alix M, a Florida-bred daughter of End Sweep, has won six of her 10 starts since launching her career at Calder last July. Trained by Ron Spatz, Alix M paid $11.40 after covering six furlongs in 1:10.40 over a fast track.

Alix M broke alertly under jockey Cornelio Velasquez before easing back off the pace set by defending Filly and Mare Sprint champion Mooji Moo and pressed by Bear Fan, who went off at 2-5. Bear Fan briefly stuck her head in front entering the stretch but was quickly challenged by Alix M, who easily drew clear in the final furlong. Double Scoop rallied mildly to finish third, followed by Cyber Slew, Mooji Moo, and Really Royal.

Bear Fan was also the beaten favorite in the 2004 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint, finishing third behind Mooji Moo after a rough trip.

"I wanted her to be a little off the pace, and the trip worked out well when she was sitting just off the two horses dueling up front," said Spatz. "She looked good turning for home and really responded when Cornelio got after her. I wasn't sure how she'd handle the track, because her work here was only mediocre, but she's a really good filly who has certainly accomplished a lot in a very short time."