Defend

The connections of Defend (American Freedom), a romping winner in his Aug. 5 debut at Delaware Park, have yet to pick out his next race, but they aren't afraid to tackle a tough spot, including the GI Hopeful S. It's clear to see why. "His race was phenomenal. It looked like he was on cruise control," Susan Montanye said of his debut. Montanye bought the colt as a yearling and still owns a small percentage in partnership with Nick Sanna. Montanye was among the first to discover his potential talent....

2nd-Delaware, $39,420, Msw, 8-5, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:04.27, ft, 8 lengths. DEFEND (c, 2, American Freedom--Fabiana's Flash, by City Zip) became the sixth winner for his first-crop sire (by Pulpit) with a highly impressive debut romp. Sent off right at his morning line of 4-1, the April foal set the pace from favored Mr. Cunningham (Creative Cause), getting the opening quarter mile in a controlled :22.61. Racing well in hand and going extremely well on the turn, Defend came a bit wide into the lane, but was shaken up under...