Dixie Brass Scores Easy Victory in Wither

Dixie Brass bettered a stakes record set by Dr. Fager 25 years ago when he cruised to an 8 1/4-length victory in the $121,800 Wither Stakes, Wednesday’s opening-day feature at Belmont Park.

Dixie Brass, ridden by Julio Pezua, was timed in 1:33 3/5 for the mile, a fifth of a second faster than the previous best in the Grade II race for 3-year-olds.

Big Sur, coupled in the wagering with Goldwater, finished second, three lengths ahead of Superstrike in the field of eight.

The victory was the second in four starts this year for Dixie Brass, who paid $17, $5.60 and $3.80. Big Sur paid $3.80 and $2.60. Superstrike paid $5.60.