Anthony Freedman is considering a quick backup for Punch Lane, eyeing the Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) after his impressive win at Randwick on Saturday. The five-year-old dominated the Precise Air Handicap (1500m), leading early from a wide draw and powering to a 4-1/4 length victory.

Bold Mac ($31) was the best of the rest, finishing second, while Al Mubhir ($41), formerly trained by William Haggas, took third.

Jockey Nash Rawiller’s bold ride was key, with Freedman praising the top hoop’s unpredictability. “That’s why you use him. You get the unexpected,” Freedman said.

Despite Punch Lane’s strong performance on a soft 6 track, Freedman believes the horse prefers wetter conditions and might target the Hawkesbury Gold Cup, given the forecasted rain. “I might throw him in at Hawkesbury even because it will be wet,” Freedman said.

Rawiller admitted he wasn’t planning to lead but let Punch Lane take charge early, which helped the horse relax and finish strongly.

Freedman also had a scratch in the opening race at Randwick, with Beskar, a two-year-old favourite, removed from the field due to mucus in his throat.