While winter form often doesn’t carry over to carnival success, Michael Freedman is eager to gauge the capabilities of his impressive debutant, Castillo King, in the upcoming Rosebud.
The Farnan colt is set to compete in Saturday’s Listed sprint at Rosehill, following a dominant debut performance where he won by 3-1/4 lengths over Eviction Notice, the runner-up in the Silver Slipper, at Warwick Farm back in July.
Freedman acknowledges the difficulty in comparing Castillo King’s current form to that of rivals such as Canonbury Stakes winner Hidrix and the dual Group-placed Central Europe in the Rosebud (1100m). However, he believes the three-year-old has earned the opportunity to demonstrate his talent.
“That’s the plan, the Rosebud, and we’ll see where we get to from there,” Freedman stated.
“It’s always a challenge to align mid-winter form with the start of spring. Nevertheless, he recorded strong sectionals, and I consider him a promising horse.
“This particular track and distance can favour leaders, which might not be ideal for him. But he appears to be progressing well, regardless.”
A total of 16 horses and three emergencies have been nominated for the Golden Rose (1400m) lead-up event. Castillo King has drawn barrier 14 and will be ridden by Tommy Berry.
Zac Lloyd is slated to partner stablemate Outspan from gate 16 in the same race. However, Outspan is also entered for the Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, where he has drawn barrier three.
Freedman has expressed satisfaction with Outspan’s preparation, noting the horse showed promise in his initial campaign with a victory at Rosehill in January and a third placing at Group 3 level.
“He ran second in the Pago Pago (Stakes) and I believe he has returned in good condition,” Freedman commented.
The imminent return of the new-season three-year-olds might help to mitigate the impact of the setback Freedman’s stable experienced last week when ATC Australian Oaks runner-up Profoundly was retired due to a leg injury sustained during trackwork.
“She did a suspensory,” Freedman revealed.
“We examined her thoroughly, and while she could undergo rehabilitation for twelve months with uncertain outcomes, the majority of the owners felt it was more prudent to retire her to stud.
“It’s unfortunate to lose her.”
Profoundly completed her racing career with 11 starts, achieving three wins, most notably the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April. Her total earnings neared $500,000.
For those keen to back a contender in the Rosebud, check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.