While trainer Mitch Freedman’s primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was securing the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes with Skybird, he also kept a close eye on the Turnbull Stakes.

The Ballarat-based conditioner was pleased to witness Cosmic Crusader’s commanding 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1 event.

Attrition, also trained by Freedman, finished a similar margin behind Cosmic Crusader when third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) last start. This performance bolsters his credentials as he prepares for another attempt at the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill this Saturday.

“He’s certainly up to that level, but he did just have a longer spell than usual and took a little bit of time to get fit,” Freedman commented on the horse’s campaign so far. “We were glad to see that good progression last start and hopefully he carries it up to Sydney.”

The Underwood Stakes marked Attrition’s third run this campaign. He commenced his preparation with a ninth-place finish in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m), followed by an 11th of 16 in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m).

In the Underwood Stakes, won by Birdman, Attrition was 2-1/4 lengths behind Cosmic Crusader.

Rosehill has become a familiar destination for Freedman and Attrition when contesting the Hill Stakes, having secured a quinella position in the race for the past two years.

Following his victory two years prior, the son of Churchill secured second place last year, trailing only Lindermann.

“He’s shaping up like he’s going to go there and run really well again,” he said. “He’s been there a couple of times, for a win and a second, so we’re just hoping he can go there and run well again.”

Beau Mertens rode Attrition when he won the Hill Stakes previously, and Kerrin McEvoy was aboard last year. However, Jamie Mott will partner Attrition this week, having ridden him for the first time in the Underwood Stakes.

“I think he suits him really well and I reckon he’s a good rider for him,” Freedman stated.

Attrition was among the 14 nominations for the Hill Stakes. His rivals include last year’s victor Kovalica, Zambardo, Idle Flyer, and King Pedro, with Kovalica being the horse Attrition defeated two years ago.

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