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Freedom Child Ready for Belmont Stakes (G1) / Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The final major preparations are complete. West Point Thoroughbreds’ St. Elias Stable’s, and Spendthrift Farm’s 3-year-old Freedom Child is locked and loaded for the 145th running of the $1,000,000 Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday, June 8.

 

Trained by Tom Albertrani, Freedom Child had a strong gallop over “Big Sandy” on June 2, covering six furlongs while opening up down the lane under jockey Luis Saez. He was impressive in his gallop this morning, just gliding over the surface while under a firm hold from his exercise rider.

The final major preparations are complete. West Point Thoroughbreds’ St. Elias Stable’s, and Spendthrift Farm’s 3-year-old Freedom Child is locked and loaded for the 145th running of the $1,000,000 Belmont Stakes (G1) on Saturday, June 8.

 

Trained by Tom Albertrani, Freedom Child had a strong gallop over “Big Sandy” on June 2, covering six furlongs while opening up down the lane under jockey Luis Saez. He was impressive in his gallop this morning, just gliding over the surface while under a firm hold from his exercise rider.

 

The 145th Belmont Stakes will be aired live on NBC on Saturday. Their coverage begins at 5:00 pm ET. Post time for the Belmont is 6:36 pm ET. Freedom Child breaks from post 2 in the 14 horse field under Luis Saez.

 

 

 

June 2 Open Gallop: 

 

June 6 Gallop: 

 

Trainer Tom Albertani on Freedom Child:

 

We just let him stretch his legs," Albertrani said (in reference to his open gallop on June 2). "I was listening to the weather and it sounds like there's going to be some heavy rain coming. I was hoping to wait until Monday, but I said, 'Let's just get it done today while we've got a fast track.'

 

"Actually, he went really good. On the clock, he probably went a couple of 13s, and a 12, and a 13 in between the quarter-pole and the mile-pole. It was a good, strong gallop out. We just wanted him to do it easy. He has a natural cruising speed. I don't think he has to have the lead, but wouldn't be surprised if he breaks running. We won't mind if it rains — he ran huge in the slop in the Peter Pan last time out."

 

“I hope the next few days go by quickly as I absolutely can’t wait to see this horse run,” said WPT president Terry Finley. “I tip my cap to Tom Albertrani and his team –they’ve been patient with this horse and let him develop over the past year. He didn’t break his maiden until March 10, and here we are less than three months later, with a legitimate newcomer in the Belmont Stakes.”

 

“Not only am I excited about the Belmont Stakes, but also the industry as a whole — people are getting more and more enthusiastic about racing. To share in the anticipation and excitement the Partners are experiencing, is very gratifying. People own horses with the dream of participating in races like this. To be here with this group of Partners is very special.” Click here to read about some of the Partners involved with Freedom Child.

 

The industry has been taking notice to this flashy son of Malibu Moon’s training since his dominating performance in the Peter Pan Stakes on May 11.

 

 

Mike Welsh of the Daily Racing Form tweeted this after watching Freedom Child on the racetrack over the weekend, “Right now Freedom Child impresses me most although Orb looked good this a.m. as did Overanalyze, Palace Malce, & the filly.

 

Daily Racing Form New York correspondent David Grening tweeted “Of the 8 Belmont Stakes horses to train thus far this morning Freedom Child definitely stood out. Good energy. Fluid mover.”

 

Speaking of Terry Finley and Tom Albertrani, did you know they go wayyyy back? Click here to read about the duo in 1979 at Monmouth Park. Take a look at the shaggy haired groom and smiling jockey:

 

        

 

Follow WPT on Twitter for trackside Tweets from Belmont Park.



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