Connections of Freshman will gain an immediate understanding of the three-year-old’s standing when he makes his debut in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.
Trainer Bryce Heys, typically cautious with his horse placements, has been swayed by the compact field of eight, coupled with the natural talent and development his charge has displayed at home.
While not underestimating the challenge Freshman faces in contesting a Listed race at his initial start, Heys is confident the colt will perform creditably.
“The reason we’ve always liked him is the way he works,” Heys stated. “When you teach him something, he’s always wanted to come to the party. It’s obviously a big ask on Saturday, but he’s in great order and he’s a lovely horse.”
The colt, by Wild Ruler, was bred in New Zealand and acquired for $380,000 at the 2025 Karaka sale. He completed two trials leading up to Saturday’s Heritage Stakes (1100m), securing victory in his most recent outing. During this trial, he showed a tendency to pull for rein early, which Heys attributed to a lack of pace in his heat rather than poor conduct.
“They went very slow in that last trial. It wasn’t a true reflection,” Heys commented. “He will come back off the bridle. He has always been a touch immature, but he’s always had a sharp level of ability and just physically gotten stronger each time he’s been in work.”
Heys also has the sparingly raced Banjora entered in the TAB Handicap (1100m), but a decision on whether the gelding resumes from a challenging draw will be made on race morning.
Banjora, a winner of his first three races, subsequently finished third in the Gosford heat of the Provincial-Midway Championships (1200m) before taking fourth place behind Lord Of Biscay in the Wildcard (1400m), with Lord Of Biscay going on to win the Final.
“I’m not in a hurry to get him started. He’s obviously drawn a bit tricky,” Heys explained. “It’s just the fact he’s first-up and starting first-up quite higher in grade than he has previously, so I’m mindful of that, despite his ability. We’ve got him in there as if we’re going to run, but I haven’t committed to that yet.”
Heys characterized Banjora as a robust gelding who would benefit from racing, noting that he has had an uninterrupted preparation. “We love the horse, but I don’t have a grand plan for him,” he added. “I just feel he needs a little bit of racing. He may get himself somewhere this time around, but I just want him to have a good ‘prep’ where he sets himself up for a really nice autumn.”
Aaron Bullock has been engaged to ride both of Heys’ runners.
Punters are keen to see what Freshman can do and are looking at the available Australian betting sites for the best odds.