Surprising Triumph: Catching Freedom's Louisiana Derby Victory

Trainer Brad Cox summed up his thoughts on the Louisiana Derby (G2) and his horse Catching Freedom with uncertainty, stating, “I didn’t know what to make of it early on, being so far back and with not much pace.” This sentiment resonated among spectators and bettors alike as Catching Freedom, along with rival Honor Marie, found themselves trailing behind by 8 to 10 lengths after a half-mile in 48.33 and six furlongs in 1:12.54. 

The race favourite, Track Phantom, led from a wide post but faced pressure from several contenders. Despite maintaining a slim lead into the stretch, the Steve Asmussen-trained colt faltered in the 1 3/16-mile distance. Meanwhile, jockey Ben Curtis on Honor Marie, trained by Whitworth Beckman, initiated a 4-wide rally with Catching Freedom closely following behind.

In a thrilling finish down the centre of the track, Catching Freedom held a slight edge over his rival, securing victory by a length with a time of 1:56.17 and a winning Beyer Figure of 98. Trainer Cox commended jockey Flavien Prat for his strategic approach, noting, “Flavien did a great job of letting him inch up.”

With eyes set on the Kentucky Derby, Catching Freedom's victory in the Louisiana Derby, along with previous successes, positions him as a frontrunner with 125 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Points Leaderboard.

Notable pedigrees include Catching Freedom, purchased for $575,000 from the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale by the Albaughs from Winstar Farm, LLC. Catching Freedom is sired by Constitution, a son of Tapit, and is one of six named foals for Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile, bred by John Fielding and Fred Hertrich.