Jackson Bend Returns, but R Free Roll Shines
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Photo:
Eclipse Spotswire
As a writer, sometimes you just “know” what your storyline will be. Such was the case when previewing yesterday’s Summit of Speed Preview card at Calder. In my mind, I could just picture writing about Jackson Bend’s triumphant return to the races. The reality, however, turned out to be much different.
The gutsy little horse that could did not embarrass himself, but he did not quite turn in the performance most expected from him. At the break of the Ponche Handicap, he settled in right behind the leaders as has always been his typical style. As the field turned for home, jockey Fernando Jara called on him to go but Jackson Bend found his best stride a little too late, finishing 5th, 3 ½ lengths behind upset winner Black Diamond Cat. Given the 9 month layoff, that was a respectable effort with which to move forward.
No, Jackson Bend did not put in a headline stealing performance, but R Free Roll certainly did when she lined up to take on the boys in the 6 furlong Unbridled Stakes. Under jockey Antonio Gallardo, the bay Rockport Harbor filly led the field on a merry chase, increasing her advantage at every call before crossing the wire a decisive 6 ¾ lengths in front of runner-up Rockyshomerun. Sr. Quisqueyano and Two T’s At Two B, two colts that ruled Calder early in their 2-year old seasons, finished 4th and 7th respectively. The Ralph Ziadie trained filly blitzed through early splits of 21:31 and 44:01 before stopping the clock in 1.10:19.
Owned by Averill Racing LLC and Silver Oak Stable LLC, R Free Roll is no stranger to taking on the boys. In just her third career start, she faced off with colts in a 5 ½ furlong NW1X for 2-year olds. Just like in the Unbridled, she shot straight to the lead and showed the field her rump the entire way around, remaining clear at the wire to win by 3 ¼ lengths. In 7 career starts, she is 3-2-1 with two of her wins coming against the boys. Her only off the board finish came in the Joe O’Farrell when she faltered late.
The Unbridled Stakes is the local prep for the $150,000 G3 Carry Back Stakes for 3-year olds. Last year, Fort Loudon outlasted sprint champion Trinniberg in a thrilling stretch drive that saw the top two finish well clear of the rest of the field. Should R Free Roll compete in this year’s Carry Back, she could face several of the same rivals she dusted in the Unbridled. Facing the boys again should not be a problem as she has already shown that doing so is all in a day’s work.
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