"This is another step forward for Dubai," added Wilson, who has teamed up with Xtra Heat for 11 victories and three second place finishes in 14 races. In 34 career starts, the daughter of Dixieland Heat has won 25 times and finished in the money on all but two occasions. The five-year old has earned $2,268,305.
Xtra Heat, prepping for next Saturday's Barbara Fritchie Handicap (gr. II), drilled five furlongs in 1:00.20 with regular rider Rick Wilson over Laurel Park's main track today. It was the fastest of 23 works at the distance."She did exactly what we wanted," said Wilson, who specifically returned from a year long leg injury to ride the 2001 Eclipse Award winner. "She hasn't changed and we get along very well."Last year, the John Salzman trainee won the $200,000 race in easy fashion and has won seven of eight on her home surface. The Fritchie is being used as a prep for a return trip to Dubai and the $2 million Golden Shaheen.