Free Like a Girl eyes John Valene Memorial or Mistletoe for next start

Free Like a Girl, who went over $2 million in earnings Friday night at Delta Downs, has initially emerged from the $100,000 Treasure Chest in good order and could run next at either Fair Grounds or Oaklawn Park.

Free Like a Girl is based at Delta, where she defeated open company in the Treasure Chest to push her career record to 20 wins from 44 starts for earnings of $2,039,978. Earlier this year, she became the all-time richest Louisiana-bred.

Trainer Chasey Deville Pomier said Saturday that Free Like a Girl could return to the Louisiana-bred ranks for the $100,000 John Valene Memorial for fillies and mares on Nov. 23 at Fair Grounds or remain with open company for the $150,000 Mistletoe on Dec. 14 at Oaklawn.

“We’ll see what would be best for her, make sure she comes out of this race well,” said Deville Pomier.

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Free Like a Girl stalked the pace in the Treasure Chest, battled through the stretch with rivals on either side, and secured the win in a photo finish on a wet track.

“I got a little nervous, but I know how she is and she’s going to grit it out,” Deville Pomier said. “Either way, I was proud of her.”

Free Like a Girl has initially emerged from the race well, Deville Pomier said Saturday.

“She ate up last night,” she said. “She’s kind of hanging out, just her normal self. So, that’s good.

"She’s amazing. She really is. She has grit. She has guts. She’s just got it. She wants to be there – you see the ears go back and you’re like, ‘Okay. She’s game.’”

Free Like a Girl is a 5-year-old mare by El Deal. She races for Deville Pomier, Gerald Bruno Jr. and Jerry Caroom.

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