by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal Expo Harness

Sacramento, CA — After making a clean sweep of the Sire Stakes for his division at this Cal Expo meeting, the 4-year-old trotter Freedombird has added two more conditioned victories to the resume, including a dominating score at even money with Luke Plano last weekend.

“He’s still a work in progress, but he’s very game and all business when that gate starts rolling,” trainer Gordie Graham related. “He likes to have a target, because when he’s out in front he has a tendency to think his work is done.

“The key with trotters is to relax, and he’s definitely getting there. Luke said when he moved with him the other night he only needed two fingers, which is a great sign. He’s late maturing and I’m sure we haven’t seen his best yet.”

Freedombird is a son of Panama Hanover out of the diminutive Sacramento mare Kimmie Girl, an extremely popular performer who carried the banner of Walt and Patty Petersen. Like Freedombird, she retired with a slew of Sire Stakes trophies on her mantle.

“Gordie is an excellent trainer and Luke does a great job driving Freedombird,” Patty Petersen related. “This horse is very lucky to have them on his team.”

Petersen reports that Kimmie Girl is at home right now and enjoying life.

“She has a 2-year-old filly named Pattycakepattycake by Claudius Augustus who is the process of being broken,” Petersen informed. “She’ll come home during the break and be given some time to grow. She doesn’t look at all like Kimmie, as she is very big but light on her feet and fleet of foot with a lot of spring in her step.”

Sounds like another nice trotter could be coming down the line.