Kadira wins Dixie Belle on DQ

Kadira was placed first in the $50,000 Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday after Rated Fiesty, who crossed the wire first, was disqualified for impeding a rival in the stretch and placed third.

Palanka City, whose rider Chris Emigh claimed foul against Rated Fiesty and jockey Luis Quinonez, was moved from third to second. There was also a stewards' inquiry into the stretch run.

Kadira ($7) stalked the pace from her outside post under Larry Melancon as Rated Fiesty broke on top and led the field through fractions of 22.17 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.92 for the half-mile. Rated Fiesty held off a stretch surge from Kadira, finishing first by a neck and covering the six furlongs in 1:10.69. It was another three-quarters of a length back to Palanka City in the race for 3-year-old fillies .

Kadira came into the Dixie Belle off a dominant, eight-length win in the $50,000 Gowell at Turfway Park on Dec. 22. She earned $30,000 on Saturday. The Dixie Belle was the third career stakes win for Kadira, who also won the $100,000 Bassinet at River Downs in September.

David Vance trains Kadira for Carl F. Pollard. Kadira is a daughter of Kafwain.