Freedum and jockey Jesus Canales hold off a late challenge to win the $18,000 Bitterroot Derby on July 19 at Pocatello Downs.

© Pocatello Downs

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSeach

POCATELLO, ID–JULY 19, 2026–Freedum held off a late charge to capture the $18,000 Bitterroot Derby on July 19 at Pocatello Downs.

Ridden by Jesus Canales, the three-year-old filly is owned and trained by Savana Canales. Bred by McColee Land & Livestock, LLC, she was a $25,000 repurchase and is by champion KVN Corona and out of the stakes-winning First Down Dash mare Aquafina ($188,336).

Freedum boasts one of Quarter Horse racing's elite female families. Aquafina is a full sister to World Champion Wave Carver ($1,005,946), champion Ocean Runaway ($1,642,498), champion Uncle D ($689,165), and Dam of Distinction and Broodmare of the Year Runaway Wave ($79,183).

She covered 400 yards in :20.180, earning a 91 speed index. The $7,200 winner's share increased her earnings to $55,909 while improving her record to three wins, three seconds, and one third from 11 starts. Last season she finished second in the Beehive Futurity.

Myllay D finished second under Julian Zavala for owner Burke Teeter and trainer Clay Teeter.

Bred by Mike and Leslie Turner, the $10,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale graduate is by champion Uncle D and out of the One Sweet Jess mare Myllay. Her female family traces to Dam of Distinction and Broodmare of the Year First Prize Dash.

Myllay D completed the 400 yards in :20.283, earning an 88 speed index. She now owns a record of one win, one second, and one third from six starts with earnings of $6,615. Earlier this season she was a finalist in the Beehive Juvenile Stakes.

Hes Pullin Gs finished third under Jesus Flores for owner-trainer Dabid Romero.

The gelding is by Hes Innocent and out of the Dale Badon mare La Choriada. He stopped the clock in :20.361, earning an 86 speed index.

Hes Pullin Gs now has a record of two wins, one second, and two thirds from eight starts with earnings of $12,570. He was previously a finalist in both the Idaho Cup Derby and Idaho Cup Futurity.

Cartels Speedo finished fourth and was followed by Rp Pretty Woman, Jcic Diamond Miracle, Spectra, and Miss Ramblin Dynasty.

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