Free Prize Shouts Late in the “Most Evenly Matched Handicap of All Time”

The Winning Prize Filly Nailed Bichita de Luz at the Wire, With All Six Fillies Finishing Within a Length

Free Prize Closed Powerfully on the Outside to Secure Her Best Victory Yet / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It’s hard to recall a recent handicap where the entire field finished virtually in a straight line, but that’s exactly what unfolded Monday at Palermo in the Empeñosa Handicap (1200m, dirt). Just three-quarters of a length separated Free Prize (Winning Prize), the winner carrying 57 kilos, from Rollanda (Bodemeister), who brought up the rear at 54.

Credit to the handicapper, as the drama wasn’t settled until the very last stride. Outsider Free Prize, racing in the colors of Stud Dani Flores, appeared from nowhere to deny the favored Bichita de Luz (Fragotero, 60.5) by a neck, just as the latter had taken command herself.

The victory also spoiled the local return of legendary jockey Jorge Ricardo, who, after riding in Tucumán’s Batalla de Tucumán, took the chance to compete once more in the nation’s capital. Instead, it was Wilson Moreyra who stole the spotlight with a ride that, by his own admission, came together on the fly:“She usually runs up front, but they boxed her in early, so I had to take back,” the winning rider explained. “At the 500 it looked like she had no chance, but once I switched the stick to my left hand, she really responded and won a beautiful race. The trainer is a good friend of mine—Daniel Núñez has her in training at Venado Tuerto. She’s always had ability, but her nerves often got the better of her.”

The finish was tight throughout: Emely (Il Campione, 58) grabbed third by a neck, followed by Sir Limonada (Lencelot, 53.5) another head away in fourth, with Joy Traviesa (Fortify, 55) and Rollanda crossing just behind, all covered by less than a length. The clock stopped at 1:11.75.

Bred by Haras El Turf, 5-year-old Free Prize was recording her fifth win from 13 starts and her first in stakes company, having previously finished runner-up in the Haras Chapadmalal Handicap. Her dam, Feeling Free (Equal Stripes), never raced but is a full-sister to For the Top, hero of the Gran Premio Nacional (G1) and later a top-level performer in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.