Freedom Star racks up second consecutive stakes with win in Harry Henson

Fresh off a victory in the Azeri S. (G3) at Oaklawn Park in early March, Freedom Star made her second consecutive start outside her California base a winning one when she took the $103,500 Harry Henson H. at Sunland Park on Mar. 28.

Freedom Star seemed to have her Henson foes at her mercy if the 1-2 odds that the bettors backed her at were any indication. On paper, she was the fastest, but there were other front-running types in the race. However, when Freedom Star shot right to the lead under Martin Garcia, the rest of the group seemed reluctant to want to challenge her early on. That would prove to be their undoing as Garcia kept the 4-year-old filly going at a respectable pace. On the backstretch Stormy Express attempted to keep up, but to no avail. In the far turn, Prairie Charm got within a half-length, but began to wilt in mid-stretch. Freedom Star was left all alone at the end, winning by 2 1/4-lengths in 1:35 4/5 for the mile, earning a 94 Beyer Speed Figure.

Freedom Star has now won half of her 10 lifetime starts and two of three this year. Her lifetime earnings now stand at $259,260. Her owner George Krikorian purchased her for $220,000 at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale. Freedom Star is out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Willie’s Luv.