Dixie Law looks to rule Ruling Angel in 3-year-old debut
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TORONTO, May 13, 2026 – Dixie Law, a finalist for the 2025 champion 2-year-old female Sovereign Award, will face five foes in Saturday's $100,000 Ruling Angel Stakes Presented by Ketel One, at Woodbine.
A daughter of Tiz the Law out of the Union Rags mare Bit of Dixie, Dixie Law will make her seasonal debut in the 7-furlong main track test for 3-year-old fillies.
Trained by Dale Desruisseaux for owner/breeder Garland Williamson, the bay had a stellar juvenile season, recording three wins from five starts, including impressive victories in the Mazarine Stakes (G3) and Cup & Saucer Stakes.
“Right from her very first few breezes, you could tell she had something special,” said Desruisseaux. “That doesn’t always mean they go on to do what you believe they can, but with her, that was certainly the case.”
Dixie Law won her debut on July 12 at Woodbine. Sent off as the 5-2 choice in the field of nine, she rallied strongly to notch a 1 ½-length score in the 6-furlong race over the E.P. Taylor turf.
“Going into that first race, we thought the distance was probably a little short for her. We were hoping, on talent, she would be able to overcome it. She was very green that day, looking at the grandstand being on the E.P. Taylor, but after that race, our excitement grew even more.”
Next time out, in her first stakes engagement, the Natalma (G1T), run on Sept. 13, she finished sixth at 48-1, 2 ½-lengths behind the winner, in the 1-mile inner turf test for 2-year-olds.
Dixie Law earned her first stakes badge with a resounding win in the $250,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile inner turf feature spotlighting 2-year-olds foaled in Canada, on Oct. 5 at Woodbine.
“Visually, I would say the Cup & Saucer was her best win,” offered Desruisseaux. “It was aided by pace, but she had every excuse not to win that race. She broke horribly and had to find room around the turn but still continued on.”
She followed it up with another strong showing, this time in the $150,000 Mazarine (G3) on Nov. 2.
Under regular rider Rafael Hernandez, the bay seized command straightening for home on her way to a 1 ¼-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile main track event for 2-year-old fillies.
“I thought that was her best race in that she proved herself. She didn’t get the pace setup she got in the Cup & Saucer, but with grit and determination, she found a way to win that race and win it in impressive fashion.”
Dixie Law closed out her 2-year-old season with a fourth in the Coronation Futurity, at 1 1/8 miles over the Woodbine main track on Nov. 29.
She wintered at Paul Sharp’s farm in Florida.
“I went down a couple times to see her, and they did a great job with her,” said Desruisseaux. “She got up to me around March 1st in really good shape. You really appreciate how well they took care of her.”
Kyle MacDonald is the groom.
Recent works: Dixie Law posted six works – three at 4 furlongs, three at 5 panels – ahead of the Ruling Angel, including a bullet :47.20 move on Apr. 4. Her most recent breeze came on May 9, when she traveled 4 furlongs in :49.00.
“We weren’t going to run her here,” said Desruisseaux. “We were looking at running her in the Fury (June 6, at Woodbine), but the first time she worked, on Apr. 4, she was a lot further advanced, fitness-wise, than we anticipated. So, instead of breezing her another three or four more times, we felt she was ready for this race.
“One of her big attributes is that she recovers so well, mornings and afternoons. I can still remember to this day last year when she breezed on the grass in :58 and change, came off the track, took two deep breaths and that was it.”
Fast facts: Saskawea won the inaugural running in 2007. Jockeys Eurico Rosa da Silva and Patrick Husbands both won three consecutive editions of the race. Brindi (IRE) won last year’s edition.
A daughter of Vice Regent, Ruling Angel went 12-6-2 ($785,707) from 26 career starts. The Sam-Son Farm homebred was named Canada’s Horse of the Year and Champion 2-Year-Old Filly in 1986.
Wagering menu for the Ruling Angel: Rolling Double, Exacta, 0.20 Trifecta, 0.20 Superfecta, 0.20 Pick 3 (Races 8-9-10), 0.20
Pick 4 (Races 8-9-10-11), $1 Swinger.
Need to know: First race post time on Saturday is 1:20 p.m. Fans can wager on all the action through HPIbet.com.
Field for the $100,000 Ruling Angel
Post – Horse – Jockey – Trainer
1 – Frosty Mojito – Joseph Bealmear – Paul McEntee
2 – Luster – Fraser Aebly – Josie Carroll
3 – Gray Dee One – Slade Jones – Devon Gittens
4 – Dixie Law – Rafael Hernandez – Dale Desruisseaux
5 – Lakota Lady – Sofia Vives – Preston Ferris
6 – Meilani – Pietro Moran – Kevin Attard
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Chris Lomon, Woodbine
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