Flint duo one-two in Bassinet

CINCINNATI - Trainer Bernie Flint said before the Bassinet Stakes was run Saturday at River Downs that he had no idea which of his three fillies would come out on top.

Apparently the wagering public knew.

Im a Dixie Girl became a lukewarm 2-1 favorite just before the field of 11 2-year-old fillies was sent away, and she was able to prove her backers correct when she outfinished her Flint stablemate Runway Model to win the $100,000 Bassinet over a fast track.

Flint nearly had the top three finishers in the six-furlong race, but Gallant Secret was up in the final sixteenth to grab third from Flint's third starter, Angel Trumpet, who had led to the upper stretch before tiring.

The victory was a record fourth in the Bassinet for Flint.

"It's tougher up here than people think," said Flint. "It sure is nice to win a race like this again."

Im a Dixie Girl was always close to the early pace after breaking cleanly from post 5. After turning for home, she ran past Angel Trumpet, then was kept to pressure when holding her stablemate safe.

Im a Dixie Girl, ridden by Willie Martinez, returned $6.80 after finishing in 1:10.60. Runway Model, the 3-1 second choice, finished a neck behind the winner and another four lengths before Gallant Secret (7-2). Angel Trumpet (7-2) was another 1 1/2 lengths back in fourth, and Sweet Miss El, the 9-2 fifth choice, was fifth, completing an in-order sweep of the top spots by the five betting favorites.