Star turn

Freedom Star, a four-year-old daughter of Street Cry, became the 23rd individual Graded Stakes winner for her sire on March 6 when running out the easy winner of the G3 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Breaking smartly from the gate, Freedom Star soon took up the running and when challenged in the stretch by the fast-finishing Euphony, quickened impressively to ease clear and cross the wire almost four lengths in front.

The Azeri is traditionally a prep race for the G1 Apple Blossom, which is due to take place on April 9 is surely one of the most anticipated races ever, with Darley-sired superstars Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d’Oro) and Zenyatta (Street Cry) due to meet for the first time.

Previously third in the G2 El Encino Stakes at Santa Anita, Freedom Star has now won or placed in five of her nine starts. Bred by Y Kolybabiuk, she is out of the multiple Stakes winner Willie’s Luv.

Freedom Star is the second G3 winner of the week for Street Cry, following Desert Party’s scintillating victory in the Mahab al Shimaal at Meydan. He now heads for the Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup night.