Freaky extends streak in Champion of Champions

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. - He had to work harder than in previously races, but Freaky clinched the 2009 Quarter Horse World Champion title with a half-length win in Saturday's $750,000 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos.

The victory in the prestigious 440-yard race for 3-year-olds and up was Freaky's fifth consecutive victory, four of which have come in major stakes.

Ridden by Francisco Rubio, Freaky ($3.20) was timed in 21.06 seconds over a wet-fast track, winning by a half-length over Stylish Jess BR, a 4-year-old mare who was sent off at 53-1. Foose, the leading 3-year-old male at Los Alamitos this fall, finished third.

After a lengthy inquiry following an objection, Stylish Jess BR was disqualified from second and placed seventh for causing interference to Hawk in the City in the final strides. As a result, Foose was promoted to second, and Fighter on Fire and Separate Bet, who finished in a dead heat for fourth, were moved up to third.

Freaky has won 9 of 23 starts and $646,300. A gelding by TR Dasher, he was acquired privately last winter by his current connections, owner Armando Aguirre and trainer Adan Farias, from breeder and Los Alamitos track owner Ed Allred.

Earlier this year, Freaky won the Vessels Maturity, Spencer Childers Championship, and Los Alamitos Championship in consecutive starts. Freaky won all of those races by a minimum of 1 1/4 lengths.

Farias said after Saturday's race that Freaky will be given an extensive rest and be prepared for a campaign geared toward a defense of his title in the 2010 Champion of Champions.