Free House beat Malek in a stretch duel to win Sunday's $300,000 San Antonio Handicap by a neck .

Returning from a four-month layoff, Free House covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.4 under Chris McCarron and paid $3.40 and $2.20.

Malek returned $2.40, while Dramatic Gold was another four lengths back in third. Lord Grillo was last. There was no show wagering after the field was reduced to four when Cavonnier was scratched.

McCarron guided Free House to the early lead, letting Malek come within a head rounding the turn and into the stretch before a hard drive to the wire.

The victory puts Free House's earnings at $2.478 million, with eight wins in 20 starts.

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1999-02-08/sports/9902080074_1_delilah-jerry-bailey-stakes