Anthony and Sam Freedman have tried to keep some speed in the legs of Elliptical as they chase Caulfield Guineas success.
While not officially a winning trainer of the stallion making race, Sam Freedman was his father’s assistant when Super Seth won a thrilling edition in 2019.
That year was an open race as Super Seth charged home out wide to claim Alligator Blood on the line and the younger Freedman says this year’s race has a similar feel.
But that would not appear the case judging by early betting with all the support being for Godolphin galloper Golden Mile who has firmed into $2.60 favourite with TAB from Berkeley Square at $5.50.
Elliptical is a $16 chance for Saturday’s Group 1 contest over 1600m.
“It feels like a very open year, but something can come out and blow them away,” Freedman said.
“We think we’ve got the right horse with a good constitution that is going to run the trip and he will enjoy a very strong speed if that is the case.”
A debut winner at Sandown in June, Elliptical was given a break before running fourth to Berkeley Square at Flemington on September 10 and then third to fellow Guineas contenders Bank Maur and The Fortune Teller over 1400m at Sandown on September 25.
Freedman said they elected to keep Elliptical at that trip instead of contesting the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley two days earlier.
“Ultimately, we kept him at the 1400 metres as we wanted to keep some sharpness in his legs for a tilt at the Guineas, albeit we didn’t win that race as we rode him a bit quieter,” Freedman said.
“It taught him a little bit and switched him on and he’s worked strongly since.
“He should be a good chance.”
Blake Shinn takes over on Saturday and partnered up with the colt in a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday.
Freedman said it was a sharp piece of work from Elliptical ahead of an important contest.
“He was out there, wanting to do it,” Freedman said.
“That has not always been the case, he has been very laid back, but after a couple of runs this time in he’s a bit wiser to it all.”