ARCADIA, Calif. - Freedom’s Not Free has developed a stalking style on turf that has led to three wins in his last four starts, including two stakes at Santa Anita this year.
A two-length win in the Pasadena Stakes on March 9 and a smart victory by 1 1/4 lengths in Sunday’s $100,500 Cinema Stakes have boosted the colt’s status in the 3-year-old turf division.
Jockey Antonio Fresu, who rode Freedom’s Not Free for the first time on Sunday, suggested there is more talent than what the recent wins have displayed.
“I don’t think he gives you 100 percent,” Fresu said. “He’s a clever horse. He does what he has to do.”
In the Cinema Stakes, against five rivals, Freedom’s Not Free tracked pacesetter Incanto through a fair pace of 23.10 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 46.94 for a half-mile, always racing within a half-length of the front. He completed the one-mile turf race in 1:34.74 and earned a career-best 85 Beyer Speed Figure.
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Fresu said Freedom’s Not Free was comfortable following Incanto.
“It gave a target to my horse,” he said.
On the turn, Freedom’s Not Free ($4) was within a head of Incanto before taking the lead in the stretch.
“When I asked him at the quarter-pole, he went for it,” Fresu said.
Fresu is convinced that Freedom’s Not Free could have set the pace, if necessary.
“I think he can do both,” Fresu said. “He’s professional and very straightforward. If no one goes to the front, I think I could have gone today.”
Bodi Zafa (15-1) closed from fourth to finish second in his first start in California. Bodi Zafa, the winner of two minor stakes at Turf Paradise in February and March, finished a half-length in front of 14-1 Incanto.
Game Warrior, Artislas, and Mythical Reel completed the order of finish. Artislas, the 5-2 second choice, won the Eddie Logan Stakes at a mile on turf at Santa Anita in December and was third in the John Shear Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course on April 6 in his 2025 debut.
Freedom’s Not Free, by Omaha Beach, races for the partnership of Blinkers On Racing Stable, Janlois Racing, Valinor Racing, Tom Corbett, Andy Kwan and Jay Lester Wagner.
Mark Glatt trains Freedom’s Not Free, who has won 3 of 6 starts and earned $178,080.
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