Pocket Aces Racing's Dixie's Hope breezed 5/8 in company this past weekend over a heavy main track at High Point training center. The gray daughter of Cozzene started her work several lengths behind, and to the outside, of stablemate Stellar Hope. As the duo began to pick up the pace down the backstretch Dixie's Hope collared her 3-year-old male companion around the 3/8 pole. The pair ran stride for stride until they straightened up at the head of the lane, at which point Dixie's Hope kicked in another gear and began to pull away from Stellar Hope. Dixie's Hope crossed the finish line a length and a half in front of her work mate, stopping the clock in 1:05.0 - the fastest time of the day at that distance.
In polite circles the time of 1:05.0 would be referred to as pedestrian, however, the main track at the La Grange, KY training facility has long been known for slower times, due in large part to its configuration. On this day there was the added factor of just enough rain overnight to make the track deep and very heavy. I was told by the High Point clocker that 1:05.0 here today is the equivalent of 1:01.0 at most tracks.
In polite circles the time of 1:05.0 would be referred to as pedestrian, however, the main track at the La Grange, KY training facility has long been known for slower times, due in large part to its configuration. On this day there was the added factor of just enough rain overnight to make the track deep and very heavy. I was told by the High Point clocker that 1:05.0 here today is the equivalent of 1:01.0 at most tracks.
Pocket Aces Racing trainer Joe Deegan was very pleased with the move. He also felt like the work should really tighten her up as he begins his final preparations for her first start. Deegan has selected tentative starting dates of April 15th and 17th at Keeneland for Dixie's Hope, both are Maiden Special Weight events on the polytrack.
