Race Recaps Marley’s Freedom Up Late in G2 Santa Monica February 16, 2019 Race Recaps Marley’s Freedom Up Late in G2 Santa Monica February 16, 2019 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article ARCADIA, CA – A lack of early pace pressure forced her to work harder than she might have liked, but in the end, Cicero Farms’ Marley’s Freedom was able to secure victory in Saturday’s Grade 2, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Breaking from post 3 under Drayden Van Dyke as the prohibitive 3/5 favorite, Marley’s Freedom sat in her usual stalking position while Selcourt posted comfortable opening fractions of :22.48 and :45.07. Still trailing the loose-on-the-lead pacesetter as the field straightened for home, Marley’s Freedom came under a drive at the top of the stretch. Finally catching Selcourt in midstretch, Marley’s Freedom cleared away inside the final furlong before being wrapped up in the shadow of the wire. The Bob Baffert trainee crossed with a 1 1/4-length advantage in a final time of 1:22.34 for the 7-furlong sprint over the good main track. “Bob told me to be sure to warm her up real good and to get her running away from there,” Van Dyke said. “She did and we had a good tactical spot. I was just sitting on her, but I had to get after Selcourt a little early because it looked like she was running pretty easy on the lead.” Although unable to keep tabs on the winner late, Selcourt continued on strongly to finish second by 1 1/2 lengths over Mopotism. Completing the order of finish came Escape Clause and Paradise Woods. Both Amuse and Dream Tree were scratched. Marley’s Freedom’s win was second straight following a dominating performance in December’s Grade 3 Go for Wand Handicap at Aqueduct. The 5-year-old daughter of Blame improved her record to 15-8-2-0, and her $120,000 share of the purse pushed her earnings ($935,935) within reach of millionaire status. “She is amazing,” said co-owner Barbara Perry, who along with her husband Ron campaigns under the Cicero Farms banner. “She just is a gift from God. She’s so sweet and so much fun to be around and she just lays it down every time she runs.” Marley’s Freedom returned $3.40 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.10 to show. Selcourt brought back $4.20 to place and $3.20 to show, while Mopotism paid $3.80 to show.
Jim Dandy 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 677 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $500,000… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 559 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Saratoga Saturday Pick 5 Preview | Dudes Who Bet Sports 200 Aaron & Papa Dude preview Saturday’s Late Pick 5 from… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 558 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Haskell Stakes 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 676 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $1… Read More
Jim Dandy Stakes 2024 Betting Bible | Get Saratoga Picks NOW! Get the 2024 Jim Dandy Stakes Betting Bible, featuring our EXACT race-by-race… Read More
Jim Dandy 2024 Picks and Rapid-Fire | Blinkers Off 677 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for Saturday’s $500,000… Read More
Del Mar Pick 5 Preview | The Magic Mike Show 559 The Magic Mike Show guys preview & give their tickets… Read More
Horse Racing BEST BETS: Saratoga July 27-28, 2024 Vinny from Real Dynasty Picks gives his horse racing best… Read More
Saratoga Exacta Picks & Plays | Jim Dandy Stakes 2024 Dr. Miranda gives her Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) exacta picks… Read More