Angling six wide into the stretch, Freydis the Red found the $1-million Dueling Grounds Oaks' 1 5/16-mile distance to her liking as she powered clear late and scored by 2 3/4 lengths Sunday at Kentucky Downs.
Sent off 7-1, the French-bred Saxon Warrior filly was winning for the second time in nine career starts and came into the race off a third-place finish in the 1 1/8-mile Pucker Up (G3) Aug. 6 at Ellis Park.
Freydis the Red, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. for trainer Kenny McPeek, returned $17.64 after covering the distance in 2:06.13, a course record. The previous record of 2:06.41 was set by Micheline, a half sister to Grade 1 winner Proxy, in the 2020 Dueling Grounds Oaks.
Saabalenka was third, and Flashy Gem was third in the field on 12. Favorite Safeen, second behind pacesetter Callie's Grit through six furlongs, faded to eighth and Callie's Grit was ninth.
“We felt the added distance in this one would benefit her,” McPeek said of the winning filly, who is out of the German-bred Shirocco mare Songerie . “She is the consummate professional. We felt pretty comfortable she would handle the distance. Looking at the past performances going in, I thought the odds were very generous. Knowing her pedigree, I knew she would be capable. You knew she would not have any quit in her. Very happy with her.
“We will take a look at the QEII ($600,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup G1) on Oct. 14 at Keeneland).
McPeek was enjoyed his third Dueling Grounds Oaks win after scoring with Daddys Lil Darling (2017) and Princess Carolina (2019).
Owned by Walking L Thoroughbreds LLC and Three Chimneys Farm, the chestnut filly was bred by Oceanic Bloodstock SARL, Ecurie Du Parc Monceaus et al., and Eric Puerari.
Freydis the Red's earnings increased to $489,528 with the $345,960 winner's share of the Dueling Grounds Oaks purse.
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