Free as a Bird could fly in License Fee

Free as a Bird has tried five different distances in 11 starts on turf but has never run at six furlongs. On Sunday, Free as a Bird will try that distance in the $100,000 License Fee Stakes at Belmont Park.

Free as a Bird has won at five furlongs, seven furlongs, and 1 1/16 miles, but her trainer, Ian Wilkes, said he thinks her best game will be shorter sprints.

“I like the filly going five to six furlongs,” Wilkes said. “Seven to a mile, she’s a little too aggressive; she doesn’t relax. There’s enough speed when she runs short that she’ll relax.”

In three starts this year, Free as a Bird has a win going five furlongs and was second, beaten three-quarters of a length, in the Giant’s Causeway at 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland on April 19.

Madame Giry is 3 for 3 at Belmont, including a victory in the Smart ‘n Fancy Stakes here in September 2012, her last start at Belmont. She was beaten a neck by Coarsegold in the Safari Queen Stakes at Gulfstream on April 10. Coarsegold is also in this field.

Trippin’ Along, Believe in Charlie, Vicki’s Dancer, Sounds of the City, Persnickity, and Bridgehampton complete the field on turf. Munnings Sister and Lion D N A were entered in the event the race comes off the turf.