Trainer Michael Freedman was still grappling with the stewards’ decision regarding Transcend’s disqualification when Polyglot secured victory in the subsequent race, the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Freedman experienced a moment of surprise when the trainer of the third-placed horse, Street Artist, approached and remarked: “We might protest.”
It turned out the comment was a jest from Michael’s brother, Anthony.
Polyglot’s triumph provided some solace for the disappointment Michael Freedman was enduring following Transcend’s earlier setback.
“In this business, you have to abide by the judge’s decision,” Freedman stated diplomatically when questioned about the protest that saw Transcend, the initial leader, demoted to second behind Mind Ya Buzz.
However, Polyglot ($6), expertly ridden by Tim Clark, brought a smile back to Freedman’s face as it repelled a late charge from Off The Press ($7), winning by a neck. Street Artist ($3.70 favourite) finished a nose behind in third.
“We got into a nice spot but I had to be patient as he only has ashort, sharp sprint,” Clark commented. “But he was very tough today.”
Freedman lauded Clark’s flawless tactical ride aboard Polyglot, a former Godolphin galloper acquired by Scott Darby of Darby Racing Syndications prior to last season.
“I recommended Darby Racing buy this horse because I thought he would be the perfect type for them,” Freedman explained. “He’s a tough, sound horse, he’s genuine and rarely runs a bad race. He’s done a great job for us so far with two wins from his last three starts and he’s very consistent.”
Earlier in the Rosehill program, Concordia Wind delivered an early double for Sydney racing’s dominant trainer-jockey partnership of Chris Waller and James McDonald when she clinched the Schweppes Handicap (1900m).
Concordia Wind ($3.80 favourite) was afforded an ideal run by McDonald and surged clear to win by one-and-a-half lengths from Flying From Above ($18), with Leovanni ($5) a close third.
“This was the right race for her today,” said Waller, who also trained Steel Will to a victory earlier.
“James gave her a good ride and she has run the 1900m out well, so she should get out to 2000m at least.”
When questioned about Concordia Wind’s potential distance capabilities, McDonald offered a light-hearted remark that held an element of truth.
“Chris could train a 1200m horse to run 2400m!” McDonald declared.
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