Free House Latest To Crash Lukas’ Party

Free House, the son of a $500 stallion, won the Santa Anita Derby at Arcadia, Calif., on Saturday and spoiled the day for the $1 million filly from D. Wayne Lukas’ stable.

The filly Sharp Cat joined many of Lukas’ colts in falling by the wayside on the Kentucky Derby trail, fading to sixth in a field of 10 after leading much of the way. In the last two weeks, Lukas’ stable of 3-year-olds is 0 for 18, and his horses haven’t won a single serious Derby prep.

Free House, meanwhile, became the 13th California-bred to win the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, stalking the early pace, then overtaking the leaders and holding off Silver Charm by a head.

“I’m so proud of that gray galoot today,” co-owner Trudy McCaffery said.

Silver Charm, ridden by Gary Stevens, broke on top, but with just an eighth of a mile gone in the 1-1/8 miles, Sharp Cat had the lead.

The Free House-Bagshot entry paid $16.60, $6 and $3.40. Silver Charm paid $3.60 and $2.80, and Hello was $3.40 for show. The winning time was 1:47.60 and earned Free House $450,000, increasing his career earnings to $803,201.

Glitter Woman scored her fourth straight victory, coasting to an impressive 6-1/2-length victory in the $543,750 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky.

Glitter Woman, the 1-5 favorite ridden by Mike Smith, took the lead on the far turn and wasn’t challenged in pulling away from five other 3-year-old fillies.

Glitter Woman is a late nominee to the Triple Crown. Her next start will likely be either the Kentucky Oaks or Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.