Irish Freedom hasn't lost a step

DEL MAR, Calif. – Irish Freedom was so highly regarded that he ran in the Santa Anita Derby in only his third start, and his second off a layoff, earlier this year. He was off for four months after that race, but returned with an impressive score against allowance company Sunday.

“He had been working really well,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He needed time off after the Santa Anita Derby because he got real sick. The very next day, he had a temperature of 103 or 104.”

Irish Freedom earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 99 for his Sunday win.

Irish Freedom, a son of Pioneerof the Nile owned by Donegal Racing, has now won twice in four starts. His prior victory came in his debut last summer at Del Mar as a 2-year-old.

◗ Abel Tasman, the nation’s leading 3-year-old filly, will make her next start in the Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion at Parx Racing on Sept. 23, Baffert said Tuesday morning after Abel Tasman worked an easy half-mile in 49.40 seconds.

◗ Tatters to Riches, one of the top contenders for the Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity on closing day, Sept. 4, turned in a strong five-furlong workout in 1:00.80 on Tuesday morning which included an impressive gallop-out. He won his debut earlier in the meet for trainer Jeff Mullins.

◗ Drayden Van Dyke is riding Friday at Del Mar, including aboard Shrewd Move in the featured Green Flash Handicap, but he will then take an overnight flight to upstate New York to ride It Tiz Well in the Alabama Stakes on Saturday at Saratoga for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.