Street Story wins sloppy Dixie Belle
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Photo:
Coady Photography
I have had my eye on 3-year old Street Story ever since she made her career debut in at Churchill
Downs back in June. That day she finished a well beaten fifth behind Bahnah, who would add to her debut win
with a smart score in the G3 Schuylerville next out. Despite being so soundly
beaten, I liked what I saw. The striking daughter of Street Cry (IRE) proved my
confidence right in her next start, winning a 4 ½ furlong maiden special weight
by 2 ½ lengths. She then took her show on the road to the Fairgrounds where she
finished a distant second to unbeaten Divine Beauty. Today, the half-sister of graded stakes placed Medjool flattered both Bahnah and Divine Beauty by taking the Dixie Belle stakes at Oaklawn Park.
With jockey Ricardo Santana, Jr. in the pilot seat, Street
Story broke from post 8 in the field of 9 and immediately took up a stalking
position behind the early leaders. From the far outside post, Zip On was gunned
out of the gate to clear the field and take the lead, throwing down the first
quarter of the six furlong affair in 22:11. Once the lead was established, Zip On,
under Francisco Torres, slowed the pace down, getting the half in 46:58.
Meanwhile, Street Story raced wide the whole trip around,
avoiding a good bit of the mud during the early stages. In the far turn, Street
Story began to make her bid for the lead, brushing slightly with Denali Cat
Tale as they exited the turn. In the stretch, Street Story was pushed out
further to the center of the track as Zip On began to tire and drift. Under
steady urging, Street Story finally took command and continued on strongly to
hold off long shot Questlie, who was
making good progress late.
The official margin of victory was a length, and Street
Story completed the six furlong race in 1.14:25. Sent off at odds of 5-2, the
Street Cry filly returned $7.20/$4.60/$3.20. Runner-up Questlie ($11.60/$6.20)
finished 1 ¼ lengths clear of third place finisher Racing Holiday ($11.40).
With long shots filling out the superfecta, the $2 exacta was worth $112.40,
the $1 trifecta was worth $800.40, and the $1 superfecta paid out $5,256.00.
The order of finish was completed by Xray Vision, Zip On, Denali Cat Tale, Wicked Dixie, post time favorite More Than Beauty, and Silver Valley.
In order for the win to stand, Street Story had to withstand
an objection. Alex Canchari, the jockey of third place finisher Racing Holiday,
filed an objection against winning jockey Santana, Jr. immediately after the
race. The claim was for alleged interference around the 5/16ths pole. Video
replay showed that the two fillies were nowhere near each other except when
Street Story made her initial move. It appeared that both fillies made a bid
for the same opening and Street Story was the quicker of the two. The stewards disallowed
the protest, making the order of finish official.
Whispering Oaks Farm and Carol Castille purchased Street
Story at the Keeneland 2012 September Yearling Sale for $155,000. Today’s
victory improved the filly to 4: 2-1-0 lifetime with earnings of $98,350.
Trainer Steve Asmussen has been pleased with his charge. The filly’s dam,
Perfect Story, is a half-sister to classic winner Point Given, and Asmussen believes Street Story will have no
problem stretching out in distance and running two turns.
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