Ellis Park Race 9 - Race 9 - Mdn Claiming
PURSUIT OF FREEDOM (2) is a two-start maiden who returned last time and finished fourth at Ellis Park (Dirt) over 1207m, beaten 3.5 lengths. Improvement to come and this is his chance to break through. FEELING GRAND (8) sat just off the speed and fought on well to finish second when resuming last start at this course and distance. Among the leading chances. BREAKAWAY (9) resumes from a spell of three-and-a-half months and looked close to a win before that break, finishing off with a minor placing over 1609m at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf (Turf). Expect he has come on over the break. Rates highly on best figures and should be right in this. ROCKFEST (11) has filled a minor placing at his last three outings, most recently when second over 1106m at Hawthorne Turf (Turf). Hard to leave out.
Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 55-day let-up. First-up after two months 7th of 12 at Churchill Downs Turf on June 20 over 1710m, 6 len behind Go For Rocket with 53.5kg at $8.40. Previously second-up 8th of 12 at Fairgrounds Turf on November 27 over 1609m, 5.5 len behind Beekman Street carrying 54.5kg at $42.10. Must improve significantly.
Last Starts 55 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/12 | 20/06/2026 | 63 | MDN CLM 3U | $96,234.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 53.5kg | 1:41.23 | 9-9-7 | 9 |
| 5.8L | $8.40 |
| 5/9 | 18/04/2026 | 28 | MDN CLM 3U | $80,058.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 53.5kg | 1:46.62 | 6-5-5 | 6 |
| 6.5L | $9.53 |
| 6/9 | 21/03/2026 | 32 | MDN 3 | $105,337.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:43.42 | 2-6-6 | 1 |
| 3.5L | $11.30 |
| 2/9 | 17/02/2026 | 29 | MDN 3 | $77,033.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:43.56 | 6-6-2 | 7 |
| 3.8L | $10.10 |
| 5/8 | 19/01/2026 | 30 | MDN 3 | $80,717.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:43.10 | 4-7-5 | 5 |
| 4.6L | $11.40 |
| 4/12 | 20/12/2025 | 23 | MDN 2 | $84,227.00 | Fairgrounds | 1609m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:36.68 | 6-3-4 | 9 |
| 1.4L | $63.70 |
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start. Promising on debut 3rd in a small field at Santa Anita on December 27 2024 over 1207m, 6 len behind March Of Time carrying 55.5kg at $3.70. Returned from break tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 8 at Ellis Park on July 5 over 1207m, 3.5 len behind Embry Show with 56kg at $3.78. Sure to run well.
Last Starts 40 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 05/07/2026 | 555 | MDN 3U | $145,138.00 | Ellis Park | 1207m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 56kg | 1:10.27 | 3-3-4 | 3 |
| 3.4L | $3.78 |
| 3/5 | 27/12/2024 | - | MDN 35 | $92,450.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1207m | Fast | Hector Isaac Berrios | 55.5kg | 1:09.03 | 3-2-3 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $3.70 |
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Comes off a 36 day let-up. Most recently 3rd of 7 at this track on July 9 over 1710m, 11 len behind Irish Law carrying 53.5kg at $17.61. Before that 3rd of 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis on May 19 over 1673m, 2.25 len behind Bhatia carrying 55.5kg at $9.90. Genuine hope.
Last Starts 36 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 09/07/2026 | 51 | MDN 3U | $145,138.00 | Ellis Park | 1710m | FM | Jaime A Torres | 53.5kg | 1:41.25 | 1-4-3 | 6 |
| 11.0L | $17.61 |
| 3/8 | 19/05/2026 | 25 | MDN 3 | $44,693.00 | Indiana Downs | 1673m | Fast | Axel Concepcion | 55.5kg | 1:41.11 | 5-1-3 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $9.90 |
| 6/9 | 24/04/2026 | 34 | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Keeneland | 1207m | Fast | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 54.5kg | 1:10.71 | 4-7-6 | 8 |
| 16.0L | $13.98 |
| 7/10 | 21/03/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $105,337.00 | Fairgrounds | 1207m | Fast | Isaac Castillo | 54.5kg | 1:09.57 | 2-8-7 | 10 |
| 7.6L | $24.70 |
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
At debut, ran second last of 10 at Ellis Park on July 25 over 1408m, 13 len behind Pimlott carrying 54kg at $13.47. Didn't quite do enough on debut to raise the hopes.
Last Starts 20 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/10 | 25/07/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $145,138.00 | Ellis Park | 1408m | Fast | Luan Machado | 54kg | 1:22.86 | 10-10-9 | 1 |
| 13.8L | $13.47 |
Jockey: Gabriel Saez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Not raced for 36 days. Resuming 7th of 11 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf on May 11 over 1609m, 6 len behind Gotcha with 55.5kg at $28.40. Second-up eased back early on 4th of 7 at this track on July 9 over 1710m, 18 len behind Irish Law with 53.5kg at $49.80. Preferred in something easier.
Last Starts 36 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/7 | 09/07/2026 | 59 | MDN 3U | $145,138.00 | Ellis Park | 1710m | FM | Gabriel Saez | 53.5kg | 1:41.25 | 6-6-4 | 3 |
| 18.0L | $49.80 |
| 7/11 | 11/05/2026 | 198 | MDN 3 | $44,693.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | Good | Gabriel Saez | 55.5kg | 1:34.31 | 7-6-7 | 2 |
| 5.8L | $28.40 |
| 11/12 | 25/10/2025 | 62 | MDN 2 | $167,428.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | FM | Javier Castellano | 54kg | 1:49.97 | 1-10-11 | 4 |
| 22.1L | $54.05 |
| 9/10 | 24/08/2025 | - | MDN 2 | $155,039.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | Fast | Gabriel Saez | 54kg | 1:38.76 | 9-9-9 | 10 |
| 27.8L | $84.08 |
Jockey: Gerardo Corrales
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start today. At very big odds at debut, ran second last of 11 at Churchill Downs on May 31 over 1308m, 7 len behind Mccann carrying 53.5kg at $82.23. Second-up settled back and ran on when 4th of 8 at Ellis Park on July 12 over 1609m, 6 len behind Feral carrying 53.5kg at $10.97. Better off looking to others.
Last Starts 33 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/8 | 12/07/2026 | 42 | MDN CLM 3U | $58,055.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | SP | Gerardo Corrales | 53.5kg | 1:37.86 | 7-4-4 | 7 |
| 6.0L | $10.97 |
| 10/11 | 31/05/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,364.00 | Churchill Downs | 1308m | Fast | C Lanerie | 53.5kg | 1:16.10 | 6-10-10 | 5 |
| 8.0L | $82.23 |
Jockey: Ben Curtis
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Three-year-old gelding who is first starter by Hard Spun out of Mexican Hat. Looks sure to measure up.
Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. Comes off a 39-day let-up. First-up after eight months raced on speed throughout when 2nd of 12 at this track on July 6 over 1710m, 0.1 len behind Bearister carrying 56kg at $3.90. Previously second-up 5th of 10 at Keeneland Turf on October 8 over 1811m, 6 len behind Blast Furnace carrying 54.5kg at $12.35. Sure to run well.
Last Starts 39 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 06/07/2026 | 218 | MDN CLM 3U | $54,427.00 | Ellis Park | 1710m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 56kg | 1:42.11 | 3-3-2 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $3.90 |
| 8/8 | 30/11/2025 | 29 | MDN CLM 3U | $105,344.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | Fast | Adam Beschizza | 55kg | 1:44.47 | 8-8-8 | 4 |
| 52.1L | $8.64 |
| 9/12 | 01/11/2025 | 24 | MDN 3U | $183,206.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Adam Beschizza | 55kg | 1:42.18 | 12-9-9 | 7 |
| 9.1L | $12.47 |
| 5/10 | 08/10/2025 | 41 | MDN 3U | $167,428.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | Good | Luan Machado | 54.5kg | 1:50.89 | 3-2-5 | 10 |
| 6.8L | $12.35 |
| 5/12 | 28/08/2025 | - | MDN 3U | $263,566.00 | Kentucky | 1609m | FM | Axel Concepcion | 54.5kg | 1:34.30 | 11-5-5 | 6 |
| 8.5L | $76.16 |
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Back from a spell. Only had one start last preparation held ground to the line 2nd of 12 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf on May 12 over 1609m, nose behind In The Tank with 54.5kg at $6.60. When resuming last campaign 8th of 11 at Fairgrounds Turf on March 7 over 1609m, 8 len behind Cruisin Chuck with 55.5kg at $15.90. Can go on with the job this prep.
Last Starts 94 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12 | 12/05/2026 | 66 | MDN CLM 3U | $36,313.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | Good | Mitchell Murrill | 54.5kg | 1:37.44 | 4-3-2 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $6.60 |
| 8/11 | 07/03/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $75,843.00 | Fairgrounds | 1609m | FM | T G Thornton | 55.5kg | 1:37.86 | 5-11-8 | 4 |
| 8.6L | $15.90 |
Jockey: Yedsit Hazlewood
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 33-day let-up. Most recently 5th of 8 at Ellis Park on July 12 over 1609m, 7 len behind Feral carrying 53.5kg at $21.85. Before that ran last of 11 at Churchill Downs on June 4 over 1609m, 30 len behind Spellmaker with 53.5kg at $44.58. Prefer to watch at this stage.
Last Starts 33 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/8 | 12/07/2026 | 38 | MDN CLM 3U | $58,055.00 | Ellis Park | 1609m | SP | Adam Beschizza | 53.5kg | 1:37.86 | 6-6-5 | 4 |
| 7.8L | $21.85 |
| 11/11 | 04/06/2026 | 54 | MDN CLM 3U | $100,418.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Fast | Rafael Bejarano | 53.5kg | 1:36.64 | 11-11-11 | 10 |
| 30.3L | $44.58 |
| 7/8 | 11/04/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $160,116.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 55.5kg | 1:09.48 | 5-7-7 | 7 |
| 20.8L | $12.90 |
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Returns from a 47-day let-up. Last start 2nd in a small field at Hawthorne Turf on June 28 over 1106m, 4 len behind Mischievous Richie carrying 54.5kg at $2.50. Before that 2nd in a small field at Hawthorne Turf on June 7 over 1006m, 2.75 len behind Capovivo with 54kg at $2.50. One of the chief contenders.
Last Starts 47 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/6 | 28/06/2026 | 21 | MDN 3U | $41,841.00 | Hawthorne | 1106m | Good | Olaf Hernandez | 54.5kg | 1:07.13 | 5-2-2 | 1 |
| 3.8L | $2.50 |
| 2/5 | 07/06/2026 | 17 | MDN 3U | $41,841.00 | Hawthorne | 1006m | FM | Olaf Hernandez | 54kg | 0:56.12 | 3-2-2 | 1 |
| 2.8L | $2.50 |
| 2/6 | 21/05/2026 | 14 | MDN 3U | $41,899.00 | Hawthorne | 1006m | FM | Olaf Hernandez | 54kg | 0:58.58 | 5-2-2 | 5 |
| 1.0L | $11.80 |
| 4/4 | 07/05/2026 | 40 | MDN 3U | $41,899.00 | Hawthorne | 1006m | Fast | Olaf Hernandez | 54kg | 0:57.93 | 1-4-4 | 1 |
| 9.0L | $9.90 |
| 9/9 | 28/03/2026 | 50 | MDN 3 | $154,494.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1811m | Fast | Abel Cedillo | 55.5kg | 1:51.61 | 1-9-9 | 8 |
| 37.8L | $35.00 |
| 6/10 | 06/02/2026 | 41 | MDN 3 | $156,919.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1207m | Fast | Abel Cedillo | 55kg | 1:11.01 | 8-9-6 | 5 |
| 15.0L | $17.60 |
Jockey: Danny Sheehy
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First start ran last in a small field at Turfway Park on March 5 over 1308m, 23 len behind Ghost Tales carrying 54.5kg at $7.59. Returned from break 8th of 10 at this track on July 17 over 1106m, 9 len behind Zap D'etat with 54kg at $15.70. Needs to do a lot more.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 17/07/2026 | 134 | MDN 3U | $145,138.00 | Ellis Park | 1106m | FM | Danny Sheehy | 54kg | 1:02.05 | 7-6-8 | 6 |
| 9.4L | $15.70 |
| 6/6 | 05/03/2026 | - | MDN 3 | $67,416.00 | Turfway Park | 1308m | Fast | Danny Sheehy | 54.5kg | 1:18.17 | 2-5-6 | 6 |
| 23.8L | $7.59 |
Jockey: Luan Machado
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming 3rd of 7 at Churchill Downs on June 26 over 1207m, 4.5 len behind Jack Charles with 56.5kg at $17.54. Second-up 3rd of 12 at Horseshoe Indianapolis Turf on July 27 over 1609m, 2.25 len behind He's A Charmer carrying 56kg at $6.80. Will find this too difficult.
Last Starts 18 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12 | 27/07/2026 | 31 | MDN CLM 3U | $34,833.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | FM | Danny Sheehy | 56kg | 1:34.97 | 10-7-3 | 12 |
| 2.3L | $6.80 |
| 3/7 | 26/06/2026 | 559 | MDN CLM 3U | $48,815.00 | Churchill Downs | 1207m | SP | Danny Sheehy | 56.5kg | 1:11.62 | 6-6-3 | 4 |
| 4.5L | $17.54 |
| 8/12 | 14/12/2024 | - | MDN 3U | $123,267.00 | Turfway Park | 1207m | Fast | Florent Geroux | 55.5kg | 1:09.96 | 12-10-8 | 2 |
| 13.3L | $10.98 |
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
At debut, 7th of 10 at Churchill Downs Turf on June 17 over 2414m, 12 len behind Royal Guard carrying 56.5kg at $23.16. Expecting a bit more with the race experience on board.
Last Starts 58 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 17/06/2026 | - | MDN 3U | $167,364.00 | Churchill Downs | 2414m | FM | Danny Sheehy | 56.5kg | 2:26.30 | 6-8-7 | 6 |
| 12.4L | $23.16 |