 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
On Friday at the Randwick trial session, Michael Freedman will introduce a group of his carnival hopefuls, with the spotlight on Communist, the Group One winner.
Freedman is depending on a predominantly young group of rising 3 and 4YOs to be the main strength of his spring lineup, following the retirement of stable star Forbidden Love this season.
Communist, who has already showcased his abilities at the highest level by winning the Randwick Guineas, will make his first public appearance since the autumn in a 900m course proper heat on Friday. This race also features the seasoned weight-for-age star Alligator Blood.
"Friday will be a bit of a pipe-opener just to brush the cobwebs off," Freedman said. "The plan will be to give him another one in a couple of weeks' time and if he looks like he's going to be capable of being competitive, we might look at a race like the Winx [Stakes] first up for him."
Communist's Spring Campaign: A Strategic Spectrum
Freedman is remaining open-minded about the potential outcomes for Communist this spring, but he mentions that races such as the Epsom Handicap (1600m) and Golden Eagle (1500m) are being taken into consideration.
Mumbai Muse, who placed in the Widden Stakes, will also compete in the same race as Communist. Mumbai Muse has been absent from the racing scene since finishing without a placing in the Silver Slipper in February.
"She pulled up after her second run with a bit of an issue so we had to pull up stumps," Freedman said. "Hopefully that will be a blessing in disguise. She's had a nice long spell, she's come back a bit bigger and stronger, and seems to be the finished article now in terms of her physical presence.
"We will kick her off with a pretty soft trial on Friday, look at giving her another one in a couple of weeks and see where we get to from there."
The emerging Hip Hip Hurrah, who defeated Miracle Of Love in the Listed Woodlands Stakes at Scone in May, is also participating in the trial. Miracle Of Love went on to secure a place in Group One.
Due to the limited options available for sprinting fillies in Sydney after the first two legs of the Princess Series, it is highly possible that Hip Hip Hurrah might make her way to Melbourne. "Depending on how she comes back and how she's going, we may look at Melbourne for her and a race like the Quezette," he said.