Canadian Horse of the Year Quiet Resolve, winning last year's Dixie Handicap.
Quiet Resolve won last year's Dixie Stakes (gr. IIT) by a nose last year over Haami and Holditholditholdit. The 2001 edition of Pimlico's grade II turf event doesn't look to be any easier. Holditholditholdit is back, and joining the fight for Saturday's $200,000 race is North East Bound, who in his last start defeated Quiet Resolve and six other horses in Keeneland's Maker's Mark Mile Stakes (gr. IIT). However, Quiet Resolve's average winning distance is nearly nine furlongs--the distance of the Dixie--and the gelding placed in all seven of his starts last year, so his morning line status as the 4-1 second choice are right in line. North East Bound is favored at 7-2. Also going in the Dixie is grade II winner Hap, who has not started since finishing ninth in the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT). Flying Retsina Run, who has yet to start in stakes company, is the third choice at 9-2. The field for the Dixie, with odds, jockey, and weight from the rail out: 1) Quiet Resolve, 119 (Roberto Alvarado Jr., 119). 2) Make No Mistake, 6-1 (Corey Nakatani, 119). 3) North East Bound, 7-2 (Jose Velez Jr., 124). 4) Flying Retsina Run, 9-2 (no rider, 119). 5) Holditholditholdit, 8-1 (Ramon Dominguez, 119). 6) Watchman's Warning, 6-1 (Mark Johnston, 119). 7) Cynics Beware, 12-1 (Mario Pino, 119). 8) Hap, 8-1 (Jerry Bailey, 119). 9) Dynamic Trick, 12-1 (Mario Verge, 119).
