Cost of Freedom Loves Cushion Track

Cost of Freedom, who set a track record of 56.14 seconds for five furlongs winning the Miles Tyson Stakes here last December, will try the distance again Saturday in the inaugural $70,000-added Cool Frenchy Stakes.

“This is one of his best tracks,” said trainer John Sadler of the 8-year-old gelding, who also won the Grade III Los Angeles Handicap and Vernon Underwood Stakes at six furlongs here last year.

Tyler Baze has the call in an extremely competitive race also expected to include 2009 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Dancing In Silks (Brice Blanc), 2009 Malibu Stakes winner M One Rifle (Chantal Sutherland) and double stakes winner Goggles McCoy (David Flores).

Ventana, another stakes-winning nominee, worked four furlongs in 49.60 here Sunday. Al Instante, a stakes-winning Chilean import in the Ruben Cardenas barn also nominated to the race, worked five furlongs in 59.40.

PEDERSON TESTS SOUTHERN WATERS

Dean Pederson, a leading trainer in Northern California the past 17 years, is testing the deeper waters of Southern California this meet.

“This is the first time I’ve been down here for the meet full-time,” said Pederson Sunday. “I’ve got 10 here now.”

Pederson said the acquisition of some better horses prompted him to make the move. “Quality,” said Pederson of the shift. “I’m trying to upgrade. I’m training some horses for Harris Farms.”