TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon

 

Free to Roam

Catching Freedom was seen by many as an intriguing pick in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1). Although the 3-year-old colt didn’t win either (fourth in the Derby and third in the Preakness), he still performed well enough to warrant a high-standing in subsequent races.

The Brad Cox trainee’s next test comes this Saturday in the form of the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown.

Lined up against familiar foes in Uncle Heavy (6-1) and Mugatu (12-1), both of whom competed in the Preakness, Catching Freedom (9-5) will, once again, need to navigate a deep field for a shot at the winner’s circle.

It won’t be easy, but the horse with over $1.3 million in career earnings is in a prime position for a second career graded trophy (Grade 1 Louisiana Derby).

 

Hit the Right Note

Following an 0-for-3 start to the 2024 campaign, Musical Mischief is nearing a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox.

On a serious note, Musical Mischief (5-2) has a golden opportunity to get on the board for the first time this season in the upcoming $250,000 Lady Jacqueline at Thistledown.

Despite a fruitless January to May, the 4-year-old filly has performed well with two seconds and a fourth in the La Canada (G3) on Jan. 20.

Musical Mischief has yet to break through at the stakes level, graded or below, but a third in last December’s American Oaks (G1) and runner-up finish last out in the Allair Dupont Distaff is reason enough to believe in the Michael McCarthy charge’s abilities come Saturday.

 

Chicago, Chicago

Society (4-5) is ready to get back in the gate and defend her Chicago Stakes (G3) crown after a six-month layoff.

The decorated 5-year-old mare last competed in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), finishing fourth as the board’s second choice. Before the uncharacteristic finish, Society had collected five stakes trophies in nine tries, including four at the graded tier.

Overall, the Tyler Gaffalione mount owns a stellar 7-0-1 record through 12 starts, highlighted by a decisive 5 ¾-length Cotillion (G1) triumph in September 2022.

As the reigning Chicago champion, Society heads to Churchill Downs this Saturday eyeing another 10 ¾-length clearance.

 

Back on Steady Ground

A rise up the ranks hasn’t worked in Gala Brand’s favor thus far, but the 3-year-old filly’s connections have a plan to smooth things out.

Gala Brand (4-1) finds herself in upstate New York with an opportunity to get back on track in the $150,000 Wild Applause Stakes at Aqueduct.

After winning her debut at the graded level (Grade 3 With Anticipation), the Jose Ortiz mount graduated to the Miss Grillo (G2T) in her very next tilt. Although Gala Brand netted a fourth, her team believed she was ready for a shot at the highest level.

That, however, didn’t work out as the William Mott protégé was the second last horse to cross the wire in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) last November.

Back on more comfortable ground this Saturday, Gala Brand should have less trouble meeting expectations.

 

Silver & Gold

Sterling Silver has been found gold for owner Mark T. Anderson after he purchased the now 5-year-old mare for $13,000 in 2020.

The accomplished performer has amassed nearly $750,000 in earnings across three full seasons on the pro circuit. Sterling Silver can exceed the $800,000 milestone with a win in this Sunday’s $125,000 Dancin Renee Stakes at Aqueduct, her 23^rd career start.

Sporting an impressive 7-3-3 lifetime line, the Lance Rutledge trainee has been nothing short of a boon since winning her major league debut in November of 2021.

The refined racer has since claimed three stakes trophies, including last October’s Iroquois, also at Aqueduct.

Sterling Silver can add another item to her already robust resume in what will be her first attempt alongside Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.