West Point Stables and Lakland Farm’s 3-year-old filly Justwhistledixie made an auspicious South Florida debut drawing off to win Sunday’s $150,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) by 3¾ lengths under jockey Alan Garcia in her first start since a 3½-length victory in the Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct on Jan. 4.

Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, Justwhistledixie is a daughter of Dixie Union purchased for $425,000 at the Keeneland September yearling sales. She was posting her fourth victory in six starts, stamping herself as a Kentucky Oaks (G1) prospect.

Edward P. Evans’ longshot Casanova Move finished second in the one-mile test, seven lengths before Lael Stable’s 9-5 favorite Frolic’s Dream, who set the pace. Justwhistledixie paid $7.40 to win and was timed the mile in 1:37:67 over the fast track.

Winning Jockey Quotes

Alan Garcia:

“Ah, brother she jumped out so well. We got up on the rail, relaxed, and did what we expected. She wanted to run today. She really pressed the express button in the last quarter-mile.”

Winning Trainer Quote

Kiaran McLaughlin:

“We left her up in New York early this winter because we thought she could dominate, but after she won the Ruthless (Jan. 4) we felt she was good enough to come down here for graded stakes, which is what it’s all about. I thought a mile would suit her. The timing of the Bonnie Miss (here March 27 (G2) at 1 1/8 miles) would be good and then we hope to go on to the (Kentucky) Oaks.”


Fractions:

24:48, 47:39, 1:12:52 & 1:37:67