No funny business for Freedman and It’sacircus heading into Newcastle meeting
Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
Trainer Michael Freedman admits he was pleasantly surprised when three-year-old It’sacircus made a winning debut last month, and he expects an extra 100m at Newcastle on Tuesday to be right up his alley.
There was support for the gelding when he scored over 1200m at Kembla Grange and Freedman said it’s an encouraging sign that he was able to arrive in time after settling better than midfield.
Randwick trainer Michael Freedman.Credit: Getty
Freedman’s still a little guarded going into the Coastline Pool & Spa Handicap (1300m), but he feels It’sacircus will get every chance to consolidate.
“He’s a nice horse, he probably surprised me a little bit that he could win first-up over 1200m,” Freedman said.
“I was expecting he might need a little bit further. I said to the owners he might be needing 1400 metres to a mile, so it’s a good sign.
“It was a good solid maiden win and going to 1300m should suit.”
It’sacircus, by multiple Group 1 winner and Everest runner-up Trapeze Artist, was $6.50 with TAB on Monday.
Freedman said with that run under his belt, jockey Keagan Latham should be able to take advantage of barrier one.
“I think he’d be certainly up on speed somewhere,” he said. “He’s a good, progressive, young horse and he gives me the impression that a mile is where he will be at his best.”
Latham also has the job on honest filly Just Gisella whose two runs at provincial level this preparation have been full of merit.
She won a Hawkesbury maiden first-up before failing in a midweek city race, but Freedman said her effort when third at Newcastle last week was better than it looked on paper. He hopes the filly can have an easier run in the Lees Racing Handicap (1300m).
“It wasn’t ideal that she was up outside the leader last Saturday, she’s much better when she can be ridden with a bit of cover,″ he said.
Freedman elected to scratch Picko Rocks from a couple of races at Kembla last weekend in preference for the Allied The Careful Movers Handicap (1500m).
“I thought it was probably a better option, anywhere around 1400m to 1600m is his trip so somewhere in the middle is ideal,″ he said.
Best Bets
Race 2 (2) Go Troppo
Race 5 (2) Ambassadors
Best value
Race 6 (12) Narrative
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article