NEWS
Free Fighter captures Stars and Stripes
Posted: Monday, September 07, 2009 7:32 PM
FREE FIGHTER
FourFootedFotos.com
To view the Stars and Stripes Turf Handicap, click here.
by Steve Bailey
Free Fighter shook off determined Brass Hat after a prolonged stretch duel and scored by a half-length in the $125,000 Stars and Stripes Turf Handicap (G3) on Monday at Arlington Park.
A four-year-old Out of Place gelding, Free Fighter entered the 1½-mile Stars and Stripes off a neck victory in 1 1/16-mile allowance race in August 15 at Arlington. He picked up his third victory from six starts this season for trainer Chris Block.
Rumor Has It jumped from the gate quickly and spurted to a huge early lead, opening up on his five challengers by six lengths through a quarter-mile in :25.82 and nine lengths through a half-mile in :49.80.
Free Fighter chased from second under jockey James Graham, moving up as the field approached the far turn, while Grade 1 winner Brass Hat also began to inch up on the outside.
Brass Hat briefly moved into the lead on the turn, only to be overtaken by Free Fighter. The two quickly engaged in a furious duel down the lane, but Free Fighter dug in gamely to hold off Brass Hat at the finish, covering the distance in 2:28.31 on firm turf.
Caberneigh rallied in the lane and drove with determination to take third, another 2½ lengths back.
Overall, Free Fighter improved to six victories from 16 starts in three seasons and boosted his earnings to $234,636. He is one of seven winners from as many starters out of the multiple stakes-winning Prized mare Taxable Deduction and is a half brother to multiple stakes winner Corrupt.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Steve Bailey is deputy news editor of Thoroughbred Times
