KINGSTON, Jamaica - I Am Fred, after experiencing gate problems which hampered his chances in the Seeking My Dream Trophy on May 22, returned to the races in a no-nonsense mood to defeat rivals in the Distinctly Irish Trophy feature over nine furlongs and 25 yards (1,820m) on Saturday, June 4, 2022.
The four-year-old American-bred bay gelding I Am Fred, trained by current leading conditioner Jason DaCosta and ridden by Reyan Lewis, scored a powerful length and quarter win in the three-year-old and upwards Open Allowance/Graded Stakes contest, his sixth win from 13 career starts. I Am Fred has now earned of $3,998,550 in stakes.
It was the perfect start this time for I Am Fred as he raced in second place behind stablemate Billy Whizz (Anthony Thomas) with another stablemate in King Arthur (Omar Walker) in third place going around the clubhouse turn and onto the backstretch.
Although Billy Whizz upped the tempo, I Am Fred maintained his gallop well in second spot down the backstretch with King Arthur, I’ve Got Magic (Paul Francis) and Calculus (Romario Spencer) grouping up behind for their challenge.
Navigating the half-mile (800m) turn, I Am Fred and Calculus went in serious chase of Billy Whizz with I Am Fred hitting the front full of running at the top of the lane. Billy Whizz was not giving up on the inside rails, Lewis kept his mount going and the son of Golden Lad – Happy Hailey proved too strong for rivals.
I Am Fred won ahead of Billy Whizz and Calculus in a smart time of 1:54.1 backed by splits 26.1 x 50.1 x 1:14.3 x 1:39.3.
“We expected I Am Fred to do well in the Seeking My Dream but did not materialise because of an issue while he was in his starting stall. Today (June 4), things went smoothly for I Am Fred and he delivered to demonstrate that he belongs in the top grade.
”Without doubt, I Am Fred is a good horse who will continue to give of his best once he remains healthy,“ said trainer DaCosta in his post race interview.
