Insurrection’s build-up to the 2026 Canterbury Sprint looks different to last year, but trainer Michael Freedman remains confident the gelding can defend his New Year’s Day crown.

The six-year-old resumes in Thursday’s Listed 1200-metre feature at Canterbury, chasing his first win since claiming the race 12 months ago.

Last year’s success followed a runner-up effort in the Group 3 Razor Sharp Stakes and a victory in the $300,000 The Warra.

Insurrection has not raced since finishing seventh in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes on April 1, with Freedman opting for an extended break.

“He just had a few aches and pains that he was dealing with and we were more or less one step forward, two steps back with him,” Freedman said.

“So, we just decided to give him a nice, long break and let him go and be a horse for a few months in the paddock, which he did, and I think he’s really enjoyed that and come back with a bit of a fresh body and fresh mindset.”

The son of Russian Revolution has impressed in two 850-metre trials at Randwick Kensington in December.

“It’s probably one of those things where you’d love to it to be maybe 1000 or 1100 rather than the 1200, but just at this time of year there’s simply nothing else around that suits a horse of his rating,” Freedman said.

“He’s had two nice trials going into it, he’s had a nice steady build-up, and I think it’s a nice race for him.

“Whether he’s quite rock-hard fit enough for it against a few race-fit horses remains to be seen, but he’s a very competitive, genuine customer, so I’m sure he’ll give his all.”

Tommy Berry will ride Insurrection from barrier six in the 15-horse field.