On December 15, 2024, the Cold Moon Stakes at Chukyo Racecourse saw the thrilling return of Free Fact (フリームファクシ), ridden by Mirko Demuro (M.デムーロ), who broke through the mid-pack to secure victory with impressive flair. The 4-year-old thoroughbred triumphed over second-place finisher Batuki (バトゥーキ) with four lengths to spare, completing the race with a winning time of 1 minute and 22.9 seconds on good ground.
Free Fact, trained by Naosuke Sugai (須貝尚介), displayed remarkable power and strategy on his first attempt at dirt racing. This notable performance marks his return to the winner's circle after nearly two years, showcasing the potential he holds after clinching the Kisaragi Sho in 2023.
This race brought together other formidable competitors, yet Free Fact confidently led the pace from the middle of the pack, demonstrating remarkable acceleration as he approached the final stretch. The crowd erupted as he distanced himself from the field, leaving Batuki and Taisei Blaze (タイセイブレイズ) behind.
Reflecting on the victory, Demuro shared, "強かったです。今日は乗っていただけでした," which translates to, "He was strong. I just rode him today." This victory not only enhances Free Fact's reputation but also serves as affirmation of the training and preparation put forth by his team.
Batuki, ridden by Yuya Mizuguchi, finished second, two lengths behind Free Fact, maintaining solid form throughout the race. Mizuguchi commented on the challenging competition, noting, "昇級初戦で、ポジション関係なく、リズム重視の競馬をしました。思った通りの展開になって、うまくさばけました," meaning, "It was my first time racing at this level, and I focused on rhythm regardless of positioning. The race unfolded as I had imagined, and I maneuvered well."
The Cold Moon Stakes served as a significant event for Free Fact, showcasing his pedigree and capability on varying surfaces. He is sired by Rulership, and his notable lineage is complemented by his dam, RightsCent, who adds depth to his racing profile.
With this win, Free Fact's total record now stands at 15 races with 4 victories, hinting at noteworthy potential for future competitions. His connections are optimistic about what lies ahead, as many racing enthusiasts will be watching his next steps closely.
Also noteworthy is the performance of the race's favorite, Smart Force (スマートフォルス), who unfortunately finished 8th. Despite high expectations, the 4-year-old horse failed to live up to the considerable pressure set before him.
Free Fact's success resonates well within the horse racing community as it emphasizes the thrills and challenges of transitioning horses between surfaces. This win reinvigorates discussions about strategies and preparation required for horses facing new racing conditions, which will undoubtedly capture the attention of trainers and owners alike.
While the Cold Moon Stakes is just one stop on the road to major races, Free Fact's commanding performance is bound to influence his future racing schedule significantly. Observers eagerly await his next races, pondering how he will fare against even tougher contenders as he continues to prove himself on various tracks.
