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| Staff Writer |
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Libertad proved his worth by dominating a strong field of 3YO at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Trained by Annabel Neasham, Libertad remained undefeated as he comfortably claimed victory in the Gr.3 San Domenico Stakes, a race worth A$250,000.
Neasham was not surprised by Libertad's triumph and confidently assured that his undeniable skills would finally receive the recognition they deserved. Initially purchased for a modest A$40,000 as a yearling, Libertad has now secured three consecutive wins, showcasing his exceptional abilities on the track.
"Libertad is not underrated by us, he is our standout three-year-old,'' Neasham said.
"I thought he could win but I was worried about Chris's horse (Waller, trainer of Kandinsky Abstract) who looked unbelievable in the yard.
"He was coming with all the momentum out wide and I was worried Chad (Schofield, jockey) was sitting a bit quiet but he rode him a treat.
"It was a masterstroke by Chad to end up in that spot (one out, one back). The plan was just to ride the horse from the gate but he jumped really well.
"I thought we would be further back than where we were but once he slotted in I knew once he was there it would take a tough one to beat him.''
Libertad's Class Shines In Thrilling Victory
In a thrilling race, Libertad showcased his class as he effortlessly secured victory by three-quarters of a length, leaving behind a determined Moravia in second place. Butch Cassidy, displaying remarkable speed, finished strongly to claim third place, narrowly ahead of General Salute.
Amidst high expectations, Corniche settled for fifth place, just ahead of the highly-valued $3 million yearling colt, Kandinsky Abstract.
Both colts began the race from the rear of the field but displayed their potential in the straight, managing to make up ground and finishing a respectable 2½ lengths behind the winner.
Notably, Kandinsky Abstract recorded the fastest last 600 meters of the race, completing it in an impressive 32.73 seconds.
Jockey Schofield, who previously triumphed in the San Domenico aboard the Neasham-trained Sweet Ride, openly expressed his belief in Libertad's immense potential.
"It was a super win. I know he's a high-class animal and to see him do that today first-up is exciting because there is a lot of improvement left in the horse,''
"There's a lot to be excited about. He's been underrated but he is top class,” Schofield said.
Schofield and Neasham find Libertad's emergence to be perfectly timed as their exceptional filly, Learning To Fly, is not expected to participate in any races during this upcoming spring.
Libertad, A$40,000 yearling, purchased at the Inglis Classic Sale as a yearling was later, entered into the Ready to Run Sale, where trainer Neasham secured the colt through a successful bid of $210,000.
In an astonishing turn of events, his total career earnings now stand at a remarkable sum of almost $290,000 after just three races.
"Libertad's got a big group of owners including Trilogy and he is taking them on a great ride,'' Neasham said.
"These colts can end up very valuable and that is what Trilogy is in the game for.''
According to Neasham, he is confident that Libertad will perform even better in longer distances. He has confirmed that the talented colt will be following the conventional path by competing in the Group 2 $300,000 Run To The Rose, a 1200m race at Rosehill on September 9. Following this, Libertad will then move on to the Group 1 $1m Golden Rose, a 1400m race at the same track two weeks later.
"This colt has taken a while to come to hand this preparation because we originally wanted to go to the Rosebud but he just wasn't ready for that race,'' Neasham said.
"He is still pretty woolly in the coat so there is plenty of improvement to come.
"This colt is very diverse and the nice thing about him is he has the most beautiful temperament. He has so much ability and hopefully the sky is the limit with him.''