Fred The Great, the four-year-old American-bred colt, secured his fourth career win from 12 starts in Division Two of the Hubert 'Chinna' Bartley Memorial Trophy feature on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Bred by Adios Charlie out of Joyance, Fred The Great demonstrated his prowess, surging from behind to overtake long-time leader Provocativa by half a length at the wire.
This Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds, spanning 7 furlongs, saw Fred The Great triumph in an impressive time of 1:25.4 (22.4 x 46.0 x 1:12.0).
Owner Milad Azan was ecstatic with the victory, lauding his trainer Jason DaCosta and the stellar performance of his horse.
"Well, when you have an excellent trainer that has bought you good horses, then what would you expect but to be a winner,” Azan said.
"The performance, I think it was phenomenal. Fred The Great ran a very good race to win and I am happy. The plan was to win here and then whatever the trainer decides I am okay with it.
“We are aiming my horses for the Mouttet Mile. I have I Am Fred, Chocomo, Banadura, and Fred The Great pointing toward that big race and hopefully we will get it,” he added.
Jockey Robert Halleeden expertly positioned Fred The Great just off the pace as Provocativa (Tevin Foster) set the early fractions. The field was tightly grouped, with Posing Already (Shavon Townsend) pressing on the inside and All For Love (Raddesh Roman) and Curlin’s Flight (Everton Miller) close behind.
As they approached the half-mile turn, Fred The Great continued to bide his time, awaiting the perfect moment to strike. That moment arrived as they neared the final turn, when Halleeden urged Fred The Great to make his move. The bay colt responded with a burst of speed, swiftly overtaking his rivals to claim second place behind Provocativa.
In a fierce battle down the stretch, Halleeden's expert guidance and Fred The Great's sheer determination proved unbeatable. With a final, powerful surge, Fred The Great crossed the wire half a length ahead, clinching a thrilling victory.
