Freedom Flash (pictured), a homebred son of 2009 AQHA champion aged stallion First Moonflash, will make his 8-year-old season debut in Sunday’s 870-yard, $100,000 Starr Western Wear Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds at Sunland Park.
Trained by Todd Fincher for owners Pierre and Leslie Amestoy and Roger K. Beasley, Freedom Flash will be facing state-breds off of his third-place finish, 1 1/4 lengths behind winner and eventual AQHA champion distance horse The Grand Legend, in the December 17, 870-yard King Rick Rack Stakes (G3) at Zia Park. The bay gelding earned $184,326 from seven starts last year, and his two wins included a three-quarter length victory in the November 26, $150,000 New Mexico Classics 870 Championship (RG3) at Zia Park.
Freedom Flash drew post 2 and will be ridden by Christian Ramos.
The complete lineup in post position order, including jockey assignments:
Sonny Surfer-QH (Alfredo Sigala)
Freedom Flash-QH (Christian Ramos)
Why Buy The Cow-QH (Ken Tohill)
Classy Moon-QH (Noe Garcia Jr.)
El Vital-QH (Francisco Giles)
El Tres Menudos-QH (Larry Marquez)
Miss Tizy-QH (Alejandro Medellin)
Regal Isabella-QH (Christian Cardenas)
Tucum-TB (Luis H. Rodriguez)
Bye Bye Matty P-TB (Alejandro Medellin)