Local horse Sir Quasar carried his ability as far as he could under Jack Penney, setting the pace to the three-eighths pole with Dixieland Band, Mountaineer Joe (another local) and Ward Off Trouble in pursuit. Dixieland Band, who is trained by Charles Peoples, simply charged by Sir Quasar, who wound up eighth, and grabbed the good going along the rail turning for home. Mountaineer Joe, under Mari Ann Bogochow, backed up on the way to finishing 12th, and that left Ward Off Trouble, the 4-1 second choice, as the only serious challenger.

Dixieland Band, who returned $13.80, $8 and $7, broke fourth and was never worse than third during the race. He stalked early leader Sir Quasar, took over at the three-eighths pole and discouraged the bid of Ward Off Trouble down the lane to prevail by 2 1/4 lengths. Moro was never closer than fourth and was no threat to win at any time.