Freedom Flash, under jockey Alfredo Sigala, drives to the lead in Saturday 's $100,000 Starr Western Wear Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

© Coady Photography

SUNLAND PARK, NM—FEBRUARY 4, 2023—Trainer Todd Fincher added another winner to his roster of stars at the current meet when he sent out Freedom Flash to a dominant score in Saturday's 17th running of the $100,000 Starr Western Wear Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

Ridden by Alfredo Sigala for owners-breeders Pierre Jean, Jr. & Leslie Amestoy and Roger Beasley, Freedom Flash broke perfectly from the starting gate, stalked the early pacesetting duo of El Vital and Rosies Bolt into the turn before overtaking those rivals nearing the top of the stretch.

From there, the 7-year-old son of First Moonflash kicked into another gear, eventually winning by a length and stopping the clock in 45.28 seconds for 870 yards, earning a 96 Equibase Speed Index.

Saturday's win is the seventh time Freedom Flash has entered the winners circle from 29 lifetime starts. It's his fourth career win at the 870-yard distance and his first stakes win since scoring in the Grade 3 New Mexico Classic 870 Championship in December at Zia Park.

Out of the thoroughbred mare Mi Camila by Southern Halo, he has earned more than $417,000 in his career, and gives Fincher his 13th training win, making him the current leading conditioner this season.

Sent off as the overwhelming post time favorite, Freedom Flash returned $4.20 to his winning backers. Dan The Flashman ran on late for second, with the $2 exacta connecting the top two finishers paying $33.40. Why Buy The Cow settled for third with El Vital rounding out the top four finishers.

Also a son of First Moonflash, Dan The Flashman races for owner Victor Diaz is trained by Lorenzo Vega. Christian Ramos rode the stakes winning gelding who earned $20,000 to increase his bankroll to $185,0533. Dosi and Norma Alvarez bred the 8-year-old from the thoroughbred mare Domeinitchy by Dome.

Carrol A. Durbin's graded stakes winning gelding Why Buy The Cow earned $10,000 for third. Kenneth Durbin trains the Heza Motor Scooter 8-year-old out of Southwest Treasure by Celadon. Ken Tohill had the riding call on the $321,235 earner. Mike Weatherly is the breeder.

El Vital, Rosies Bolt, Hollywood Henry, Noreason Fordiamonds and Lifes A Dance completed the field.

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Sunday, the super-talented Bella Dona will look for her 10th straight win when she goes into the gate as the favorite in the $100,000 La Coneja Stakes.

Owned by Robert and Del Rae Driggers as well as Ben Ivey, Bella Dona has won 12 times from 13 career starts and has earned more than $750,000. Trained by Simon Buechler, the daughter of Atilla's Storm will break from post nine under one of the current meet's leading riders Luis Fuentes. She has been installed as the 6-to-5 morning line favorite.

The La Coneja Stakes will go as the eighth race on a nine-race program and has a scheduled post time of 3:32 p.m. (MST).