Freedom Hill, Libertarian go at it again in Cave Creek Stakes
PHOENIX – Freedom Hill and Libertarian finished first and second, separated by just a neck, in a mile optional claimer Dec. 11 at Turf Paradise. The two go at it again Wednesday here in the $25,000 Cave Creek for 3-year-olds and up going a mile.
Freedom Hill, owned by Tim Bankers and trained by Manuel Ortiz, comes in off two optional-claiming wins here, a sprint Nov. 25 and his first try at a mile on Dec. 11. Denny Velazquez rides Freedom Hill for the fifth race in a row, and they break from the rail.
Libertarian, owned and trained by Esteban Martinez, was no factor in an optional claimer on turf here Nov. 10, but has perked up since, finishing third in a $12,500 claiming sprint here before that narrow loss to Freedom Hill. Glen Corbett rides Libertarian from post 7.
A potential spoiler in the Cave Creek is He’s Munnie. Owned by Yeamans Racing Stables LLC and trained by Shawn Davis, He’s Munnie was competitive in allowance and stakes races here last meet, but was well beaten in four races in the Midwest this past summer and fall. He perked up in his return here, finishing third in the Walter R. Cluer on turf Nov. 24. Scott Stevens rides.
◗ Thegloryisallmine, who easily won his last two starts, and So Long Sailor, claimed off an easy win Aug. 29 at Del Mar, lead a field of nine in the $20,000 Last Chance Derby on Wednesday. Greyflower, Regal Max, and Playoff Bound add to the contention in the one-mile race.
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CAVE CREEK (Race 7)
KEY CONTENDERS
Freedom Hill, by Summer Bird
Last 3 Beyers: 83-73-76
◗ Rallied from near the back to win his last two, but has shown tactical speed.
Libertarian, by Northern Afleet
Last 3 Beyers: 83-69-56
◗ Had the lead in the stretch of that Dec. 11 race before being caught in the final strides by Freedom Hill.
◗ His jockey and trainer are 2 for their last 7 together.
He’s Munnie, by Munnings
Last 3 Beyers: 67-29-64
◗ His only two wins on dirt came here.
◗ Worked four furlongs in 46.60 seconds on Dec. 19, second fastest of 38 works at the distance that day.