The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Elliptical looks set for a good autumn campaign following an impressive first-up win at Flemington.
The son of Dundeel will now chase his maiden Group 1 win when he returns to Flemington in two weeks’ time for the Australian Guineas (1600m) following Saturday’s narrow win in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.
Elliptical finished second twice at Group 1 level during the spring, beaten narrowly by Golden Mile and Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Caulfield Guineas and Spring Champion Stakes respectively.
Ridden by Blake Shinn, Elliptical ($7 betr Aus) scored a short neck win from Holymanz ($11) with Maximillius ($41) a nose away third.
Anthony Freedman said Elliptical had toughened up following his spring campaign.
“He was a bit of a baby, and we ran him in the good race on the last day (Champions Stakes) and it probably toughened him up,” Freedman said.
“It showed today that he’s come back.
“He hadn’t won a race in a while. He’d obiovusly run well but he needed to start winning, and he did.”
Following the Australian Guineas, Freedman indicated Elliptical was likely to head to Sydney, although he does hold a nomination in the All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley next month.
Elliptical is also entered in Sydney majors the Rosehill Guineas, the Doncaster Mile, the Australian Derby and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
The trainer was unsure whether Elliptical would tackle weight-for-age grade but had not ruled it out.
“He’d have to probably improve,” Freedman said.
“I think. He was beaten four or five lengths here (Champions Stakes) so he’s got that to make up.
“His first three or four runs will tell if he can do that so he might end up there.”
Shinn said it was a nice start to this Elliptical’s campaign.
“He’s got some lofty ambitions after today’s performance, but it is a great vote of confidence for everyone to see that the horse has come back well,” Shinn said.
“He was weighted to win today, but the barrier was against us, and the run wasn’t ideal, but his class shone through in the end.”