Joey Freshwater Runs Over Opposition in Runhappy

Joey Freshwater  continued his excellence at Aqueduct Racetrack, improving to 5-for-8 there in defeating Ninetyprcentmaddie  and three others in the $169,750 Runhappy Stakes (G3) May 11.

All but one of his six career victories have come at Aqueduct, with three of those wins from four starts this year. Last year at age 3, he also won a pair of races at Aqueduct, including the Bay Shore Stakes (G3).

Second favorite in the five-horse field behind come-backing Straight No Chaser , who sped to the early lead, Joey Freshwater had no trouble reeling in that rival after Straight No Chaser stumbled leaving the gate and needed to be hard ridden to the lead early. Joey Freshwater advanced sweetly to collar him in midstretch under Jose Lezcano, kicked away, and lasted for a neck victory over rallying runner-up Ninetyprcentmaddie.

Joey Freshwater raced six furlongs in 1:09.41, returning $7.80 to win.

Twenty Four Mamba  showed by passing Straight No Chaser late. Durante  was last.

The Winning Move Stable-owned winner, bred by Dr. Aaron Sones, Dr. Naoya Yoshida, and Dr. Eric Crawford in Kentucky, is 6-for-16 overall. All but two of his starts have come for trainer Linda Rice, who claimed him for $50,000 from a maiden claiming race at Churchill Downs in November 2022.

Rice said she felt Joey Freshwater got a favorable opportunity when Straight No Chaser did not break well.

“With a horse of that caliber you’re just hoping for things to unfold well for you,” she said. “I think the outside draw was good for him. He ran a big race, again.”

She indicated the 6 1/2-furlong True North Stakes (G2) June 8, Belmont Stakes (G1) day, at Saratoga Race Course would likely be next.

He is a son of Spendthirft Farm stallion Jimmy Creed  , who stands for $10,000 fee in Kentucky. He is among numerous graded winners for Jimmy Creed, whose top earner is multi-millionaire and multiple grade 1 winner Casa Creed .

Video: Runhappy S. (G3)