Thoroughbred Dreams proudly presents the first annual Liberty Derby. This prestigious Grade one event takes place at Imperial National Raceway once a sim year and brings about the start of the triple crown. The first one, is soon to be run. Let's take a look at this year's information on the race, forecasts, and of course the field.

Race has run as of 4:00 pm est on Saturday, May 10th, 2003. Nice job to all horses.  Good luck to all who are going to head for the Seven Oaks Stakes. Read the forums for information about nominating.

Name: Liberty Derby (Gr. I)
Restrictions: Horse must be 3 years old and been in at least one race lifetime. Must have also have place 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th.
Nominations will be sorted through by which horses are the most qualified and have the most points.
Distance: 1 1/4 Miles
(note: middle and or long horses will be qualified to run this distance. calculating results slightly differently)
Surface: Dirt
Purse: 1,000,000 SM (55% to winner, 25% to 2nd, 13% to third, 5% to fourth, 2% to fifth)
Track: Imperial National Raceway
Scheduled to Run: Saturday at around 4:30 pm est (may be slightly before or after. sorry i can't give exacts ;/)

Forecast for this Weekend: 50-65ºF., breezy, 35% chance of rain.

Let's meet this year's field:
(note, don't take workout times or comments to heart. they are just for entertainment value ;). also note, was trying to make comments sort of interesting to make you think, so do not worry if they aren't as positive as you would have liked. they don't matter, what happens race time matters)
-also, all workouts were rounded to closest.. didn't feel like putting the "change" ;)

Post Position One:
Tears Are With Love - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Queen Elizabeth Raceway
2:0-0-1-1 Record, Most likely will come from behind.
Latest Workout: 5 Furlongs in 1 minute, 8 seconds.
 "This colt has a very nice look to him. He's solid all around and has done decently in the past. His first victory has so far eluded him in his two lifetime starts, but he's been improving steadily. He could make something happen later on in the race. May struggle if the track turns sloppy come race time"

Post Position Two:
Black Knight - 3yo Black Colt - Owned by Leavenworth Ranch
2:1-1-0-0 Record, Most likely will try for the lead.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 2 seconds.
 "This handsome colt is one to watch out for, he's got the heart and mind-set to possibly get the job done start to end. He absolutely loves having the lead early on, which in this speed hungry field, may be his one major obstacle. He does have the stamina to possibly hold off late runners if the pace is not pressured too much."

Post Position Three:
Mustang Sally - 3yo Brown Filly - Owned by Fire Ridge Stables
1:0-1-0-0 Record, Most likely will try for the lead.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 7 seconds.
 "Mustang Sally is the only filly in the field today and is probably a crowd favorite at heart because of that. She's only been raced once, but did very well in that time out. That one race she dominated on the front end, but I'm not as sure she can do that today. She's got a lot of talent, but lacks experience and is going against 15 boys in a speed hungry race. She has a shot to beat the odds against her, but how good those odds are are still unknown."

Post Position Four:
Pete's Comet - 3yo Grey Colt - Owned by Q.T. Stables
1:0-1-0-0 Record, Most likely will attempt be mid pack
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 3 seconds.
 "This colt was built for these conditions I believe. But he lacks the experience a few others have over him which may hinder him. He's also going to have to deal with a lot of traffic during the course of this race as most of the field prefers to hang mid pack. He's got the talent but can he keep his mind on business?"

Post Position Five:
Popcorn - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Luckhorse Stables
2:0-1-1-0 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 5 seconds.
 "Victory has thus far eluded this dazzling colt, but he's been improving and is due for a win. He's a strong horse on these conditions and definitely will pose a threat here if he can avoid traffic troubles."

Post Position Six:
Loquat Dance - 3yo Dapple Grey Colt - Owned by Legacy Forever Stables
2:2-0-0-0 Record, Most likely will try for the lead.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 1 second.
 "This horse is one of three in this field that has known nothing but victory. He seems like a horse that really loves what he does and I'm sure he will be looking to snag this race. The definite issue staring this horse in his eyes is the expected speed for this race. He's got the stamina to run forever, but he hasn't been pushed to the limits in his previous races. Another question is will he be able to adapt if he's stuck in traffic away from the front for an en-longed time?"

Post Position Seven:
Ringside Dream - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Panache Racing Stables
2:1-1-0-0 Record, Most likely will stalk the pace.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 3 seconds.
 "This colt is coming off a nice win on 4/15. He's solid on this distance and is in love with the surface here. He's one of the major threats in this field as he's been improving steadily in his career. If he gets a nice break and finds a nice spot and isn't forced to expend too much energy too soon, this race could easily become his."

Post Position Eight:
Mr. Turbo - 3yo Brown Colt - Owned by Zephyr Wind Acres
1:1-0-0-0 Record, Most likely will stalk the pace.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 59 seconds and change
 "This lightly raced colt ran a very nice race in his debut. He seems made for this distance and has worked extremely well on this track. He should be one of the major contenders come race time. Major issue for this guy will be, of course, finding position. He's going to have a lot of horses breathing down his back for probably most of the race, will he be able to take it?"

Post Position Nine:
Gone Racin - 3yo Brown Colt - Owned by Queen Elizabeth Raceway
3:2-0-0-1 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 8 seconds.
 "This guy is one of the most solid horses in this field, but he ran on 5/06 and is still scheduled to run here. The effects this may have on him are uncertain. He looks bright and ready to go, but end of this race/series he may be a very tired horse. If he can overcome this, he could have a chance."

Post Position Ten:
Shadowbrook's Symphony - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Sweet Shadowbrook Stables
2:2-0-0-0 Record, Most likely will stalk the pace.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 3 seconds.
 "This is the other horse who has tasted nothing but the sweet taste of victory. He's made for this distance, but if he's pushed to extremes by chasing the pace, it could cause a problem. He's worked well though and is taking to the track beautifully, if he runs his best come Saturday, this could be his."

Post Position Eleven:
Shatterglass - 3yo Chestnut Colt - Owned by Leavenworth Ranch
2:0-1-0-1 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 2 seconds.
 "Winning has narrowly evaded this beautiful colt. He's solid on these conditions and is doing very well on this track. He's got the potential and the heart, if he can put it together and have some luck, he could dominate this field."

Post Positions Twelve:
Sign Language - 3yo Chestnut Colt - Owned by Luckhorse Stables
2:0-1-0-1 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute
 "Was one of the claiming horses in week 3 of racing. He had placed third in that race and was claimed by Luckhorse. His last start wasn't near as good as his first, but the field was a lot more tough. If he has a somewhat decent trip, he could turn some heads."

Post Positions Thirteen:
Empire Maker - 3yo Chestnut Colt - Owned by Foxwood Farms
2:1-0-1-0 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute flat
 "This colt is one of the main contenders in this field. He is by far the most all around horse. He's extremely suited for this distance and track. Only major obstacle for this horse will be the competition that will most likely go on for a middle position in the field. If he's stuck wide the entire race, will he have enough left to fire?"

Post Position Fourteen:
Kazbar - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Q.T. Stables
1:0-0-1-0 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 6 seconds.
 "This striking bay colt is a monster on long distances, which could help him in this race. He's still lightly raced but should be able to do well if he has the running room and a good trip. Question mark on him is if he will be daunted by the other horses that will undoubtedly challenge him for his position during most of the race or if he will be unfazed."

Post Position Fifteen:
Flawless Escape - 3yo Bay Colt - Owned by Legacy Forever Stables
2:0-0-1-1 Record, Most likely will come from behind.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 4 seconds
 "This horse is the definite favorite in this race. He is a machine on this distance and has taken to this track as if he has run here every single day. Winning has eluded him, but he's been improving. He's also one of only two ralliers in this field, which could work in his favor. Only question I'm guessing on him will be traffic - If he has running room, he could take this, if he doesn't..."

Post Position Sixteen:
Foxwood Prince - 3yo Brown Colt - Owned by Foxwood Farms
2:0-2-0-0 Record, Most likely will attempt to be mid pack.
Latest Workout: 5 furlongs in 1 minute, 3 seconds.
 "Rounding out the field is Foxwood Prince. He's run two times in his lifetime and has come just short of victory both times. He's an all around horse with obvious talent. Having such an outside post may hinder his efforts slightly, but may also help as he's not in the crush of horses early on (most likely)."

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The race:

 The weather has held up nicely for the first major grade one event here. It's a very comfortable 60 degrees with partly cloudy skies and an occasional breeze. Track has remained fast which may work in favor of many for this race. The horses have just finished warming up on the track and are making their way to the starting gate. Loading has begun, doesn't seem to be any problems so far. Every horse doesn't seem to mind the gate much. And all sixteen horses are in line! And their is the starting bell, the Liberty Derby is off!

 Out to the quick lead is Loquat Dance! Black Knight and Mustang Sally follow suit and get right up beside him. Ringside Dream has settled just behind them on the rail. Mr Turbo & Shadowbrook's Symphony are right up near Ringside Dream. Pete's Comet settling just behind Shadowbrook Symphony. After that its very bundled up. Popcorn is stuck on the rail behind some, Empire Maker is off of Gone Racin's Flank. Shatterglass, Sign Language, Kazbar, and Foxwood Prince are all close behind them. Tears Are With Love is holding his rail spot about 6 lengths from the leader. Flawless Escape is the early trailer by 7 lengths from the lead. The speed is insane even in these early fractions! Loquat Dance & Black Knight are going at it like no tomorrow! Mustang Sally is keeping with them but is a head behind!

 They are heading into the first turn and onto the backstretch! Shadowbrook's Symphony is moving up slowly and now is in 4th, just behind the leaders. Mr Turbo moves up alongside Ringside Dream as those two are close for 5th. Kazbar is being edged slowly into better position, I believe he's just in 7th behind Popcorn. Tears Are With Love & Flawless Escape both are pretty close at the back of the pack, both just biding time as the cluster of horses in front of them battle things out. Black Knight, Loquat Dance, & Mustang Sally are still heads apart on the lead, none of them want to give it up!

 Into the final turn! Shadowbrook's Symphony is edging up on the leaders! Mr. Turbo is following suit. Ringside Dream does as well but he's nowhere to go ahead or beside of him. Kazbar is firing 4 wide on the track as they head into the turn! Popcorn is moving with the field and is looking for an opening in front of him. Sign Language has edged into 8th and is moving steadily. Tears Are with Love & Flawless Escape still at the back of the pack as they head for home w/ 4 furlongs to go.

Black Knight is holding onto a slight head lead over Loquat Dance and Mustang Sally, all look tired but determined. Mr. Turbo is making a quick move and has edged up on Mustang Sally's flank! Ringside Dream is still looking for room on the inside! Popcorn is edging up on the outside. Gone Racin is going between horses and is moving well!

2 furlongs to go. Rindside Dream has found a small hole between Black Knight & Loquat Dance and lunges through it! Ringside Dream has taken the lead! Mr Turbo is just off his flank.. now is even with him! The three front runners don't seem to have anything left! Popcorn moves up on the outside and is just off their flanks! Flawless Escape is edging to the outside at the back of the pack and is beginning to get into gear. Tears are with love is just behind him. Shadowbrook's Symphony is lingering in his place in 4th. Pete's Comet is edging up by Symphony. Empire Maker is running between horses and is flying! His stable mate Foxwood Prince has taken the outside route and is running well!

1 furlong to go. Empire Maker has found room and has taken the lead over Ringside Dream! Popcorn is moving up still but is forced wider. Mr Turbo is sticking his nose into the battle for the lead! Foxwood Prince has made an outside move and is right up with them! Tears Are With Love has moved into 8th and is still moving quickly! Flawless Escape is absolutely flying on the extreme outside! He's making up ground at an incredible rate!

1/2 Furlong to go. Flawless Escape & Foxwood Prince have started to draw off from this field! They are neck and neck! Mr Turbo, Ringside Dream and Empire Maker are all very close for 3rd! Popcorn and Tears Are With Love making last effort moves! Flawless Escape and Foxwood Prince are really rolling though! Flawless Escape is being asked for more and he's giving it as they near the wire! Foxwood Prince trying to follow but there is the wire! Flawless Escape wins the Liberty Derby by 1 length! Foxwood Prince a very nice second. Close for 3rd.

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Results:
key:
distance = lengths from lead horse
rating = td performance rating for this race (after all the mathematics, this is the number that comes up and determines the winner)

Flawless Escape, Foxwood Prince, Empire Maker, Mr. Turbo, and Ringside Dream are all invited to the next leg of the triple crown (Seven Oaks Stakes) and will receive auto entry into the race if their owners choose to head them towards that race. The rest may re-nominate for the next leg, but do not get any advantages or disadvantages if nominations are over the limit. Nominate on the forums for seven oaks asap to get a shot into the next race ;).

Also, all horses have Ready to Race status though they have raced. This is so i dont have to update it again. lol, if a horse that ran here today is headed towards the Seven Oaks Stakes, then nominate and do NOT enter in any other races before that one. If you are NOT nominating for the Seven Oaks, I will correct rest on your horse after the field is announced next week.