Co-trainer Will Freedman is optimistic that a seven-day back-up will prove beneficial for the talented colt Genesis Runner, who is still recovering from a close second-place finish in the Dulcify Stakes.

The three-year-old narrowly lost by a short half-head to Wonka, and both competitors are set to race again in Saturday’s Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill. Their ultimate goal is the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) two weeks later.

While Freedman would have preferred a stakes win heading into the weekend, he is encouraged by the colt’s recovery from his last race.

“It’s frustrating, but onto the next,” Freedman commented on the Dulcify Stakes result. “Your hand is slightly forced because the alternative is to go three weeks between runs, and then go up four hundred metres (in distance). If you feel like you’ve got an athletic horse that doesn’t need the run then great, you can wait the three weeks. But for a horse like him that needs a bit of racing to hit peak fitness, the back-up was a pretty straightforward answer, and the fact he pulled up so well and was bucking and carrying on Monday morning sealed the deal.”

Genesis Runner will compete on a seven-day turnaround for the first time this Saturday. Given his tendency to be a “gross-doing” colt, Freedman hopes this strategy will suit him.

A minor gear adjustment has also been made, with blinkers being replaced by visors on the recommendation of jockey Chad Schofield.

“Chad felt, with the blinkers, he lost sight of the bunny a little bit and gave Wonka the ability to then go ahead, and he kicked late again,” Freedman explained. “It’s just to give him that slight bit of visibility so he doesn’t switch off in thinking his job is done.”

Following the scratching of Concrete Storm, the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) will feature a field of 11 runners. The undefeated Proxima Dea is the $4 favourite, aiming to be the second filly to win the race after Constant Flight in 1993.

Genesis Runner is considered a strong contender at $4.60 in early betting.

Nine horses have achieved the Gloaming-Spring Champion Stakes double in the last three decades, with El Castello being the most recent in 2024.

Stablemate Magnatear will also represent the stable in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) as a final preparation for The Big Dance (1600m) on Melbourne Cup day.

“He likes Rosehill, so he’ll roll forward and do his thing. He’s as genuine as they come, but it’s a hot field,” Freedman stated. “He’ll have two-and-a-half weeks into the Big Dance. This is a $1.5 million race, it’s not taken lightly, but I think he’ll be better with another run under his belt and then he should be ready to fire.”

For those looking to back Genesis Runner in the Gloaming Stakes, explore the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.