The 17th Running of the G3 LA Stakes
Saturday, January 21, 2023
FG Race #7 $150.000
4+ 123 Lbs (plus penalties) 11/16
Course Record-1:39.97 (Phuneios-2013)
Stakes Record-1:40.52 (Copious Notes-2012)
The overnight and morning rains made the FG track a soupy mess for Saturday’s G3 LA Stakes, but the mood around the Nakamura Stables barn was anything but gloomy after Brave Freedom splashed his way to victory. The third G3 victory of his career improved his record to 16-7-2-2 (4-2-2-0 on wet tracks) and increased his earnings to $729.370. Long-time leader Burnin Red Hooves was a clear runner-up while Angel Dust and Lion Lake couldn’t be separated for 3rd a half-length behind the place runner. Brave Freedom completed the 8.5 furlongs in 1:44.76.
Burnin Red Hooves and Stolen were sent from stalls 6 and 11, respectively, to battle for the lead as they posted an opening quarter in :23.47. Brave Freedom settled inside of horses, just behind the dueling pacesetters, with Angel Dust and Lion Lake outside of him. Burnin Red Hooves found himself alone on the front end as Stolen started retreating through the field after a half went in :47.63. Brave Freedom held his rail position and bided his time for a while; however, when the six-furlong split was posted in 1:12.69, he decided he was ready for a change of scenery.
Moving outside of the leader’s path, Brave Freedom was the first to challenge Burnin Red Hooves. He made the pass at the furlong-marker and gradually edged away to secure a length-and-a-half victory. Burnin Red Hooves continued on to be second as he held off the duo of Angel Dust and Lion Lake who shared the show honors. No More Rattle, Crack Dab, Learned Jake, Schmidt, The Good Dinosaur, and Stolen completed the order of finish. Anna Da Artist, who had drawn the rail, was scratched after the track came up muddy.
Congratulations to Brave Freedom and Nakamura Stables for their victory in the G3 LA Stakes!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
