Mitchell Freedman is eager to test Attrition at 2000m, and the opportunity arrives this Saturday when the gelding lines up in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington.
The 2023 edition of the Australian Cup is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with front-runners Pride Of Jenni and Deny Knowledge set to make it a fast-paced race. Other contenders include Middle Earth, Light Infantry Man, Australian Guineas winner Feroce, and Atishu.
“The race has built up nicely, and it’s going to be a solid contest,” Freedman told RSN. “It should be a great spectacle with Deny Knowledge and Pride Of Jenni leading the charge.”
Freedman is confident that Attrition can handle the demanding 2000m, despite his mixed results over longer distances. He was unsuccessful at 1800m in the Underwood Stakes and Northerly Stakes but won the Group 2 Hill Stakes over 1900m.
Attrition heads into the Australian Cup third-up, following a second-place finish in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) in early March. Freedman believes the gelding is in peak condition and should perform well.
While Attrition’s long spring campaign has been demanding, Freedman remains mindful of his needs and plans to give him a break if necessary, aiming for longevity in his career.