Fred The Great at the wire
Fred The Great, the four-year-old American-bred colt, secured his fourth career win from 12 starts in Division Two of the Hubert “Chinna” Bartley Memorial Trophy feature on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Bred by Adios Charlie out of Joyance, Fred The Great showcased his talent, coming from behind to overtake long-time leader Provocativa by a half-length at the wire.
The race, an Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds over 7 furlongs, saw
Fred The Great triumph in a time of 1:25.4 (22.4 x 46.0 x 1:12.0).
Owner Milad Azan was over the moon with the victory, praising his trainer Jason DaCosta and the performance of his horse.
“Well, when you have an excellent trainer that has bought you good horses, then what would you expect but to be a winner,” Azan said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide.
“The performance, I think it was phenomenal. Fred The Great ran a very good race to win, and I am happy. The plan was to win here and then whatever the trainer decides, I am okay with it.
“We are aiming my horses for the Mouttet Mile. I have I Am Fred, Chocomo,
Banadura, and Fred The Great pointing toward that big race and hopefully we will get it,” he added.
Jockey Robert Halleeden held Fred The Great just off the pace as Provocativa (Tevin Foster) set the early fractions. The field was tightly bunched, with Posing Already (Shavon Townsend) pressing on the inside and All For Love (Raddesh Roman) and Curlin’s Flight (Everton Miller) on their heels.
As they entered the half-mile turn, Fred The Great continued to bide his time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. That moment came approaching the final turn, when Halledeen urged Fred The Great to make his move. The bay colt responded with a burst of speed, swiftly overtaking his rivals to take second place behind Provocativa.
The two leaders engaged in a fierce battle down the stretch, but Halledeen’s expert guidance and Fred The Great’s determination proved unbeatable. With a final surge,
Fred The Great surged ahead, crossing the wire a half-length in front.
