Michael Freedman is eager to see how Castillo King measures up in the Rosebud, understanding that winter form doesn’t always guarantee success in the carnivals.
The Farnan colt is set to contest Saturday’s Listed sprint at Rosehill, having impressed on his debut by winning by 3-1/4 lengths over Eviction Notice, the runner-up in the Silver Slipper, at Warwick Farm in July.
Freedman acknowledges the difficulty in comparing Castillo King’s current form against rivals such as Canonbury Stakes winner Hidrix and dual Group placegetter Central Europe in the Rosebud (1100m), but believes the three-year-old deserves the opportunity to prove his capabilities.
“That’s the plan, the Rosebud, and we’ll see where we get to from there,” Freedman stated.
“It’s always difficult to line up that mid-winter form getting into the spring. But he ran good sectionals, and I think he’s a nice horse.
“It is a track and distance that plays very leaderish sometimes, which may not suit him. But he seems to be heading in the right direction, anyway.”
A field of 16 runners and three emergencies has been nominated for the Golden Rose (1400m) lead-in race. Castillo King has drawn barrier 14, with Tommy Berry booked to ride.
Zac Lloyd will partner stablemate Outspan from gate 16 in the same race, although the Godolphin colt is also an acceptor for the Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, where he has drawn barrier three.
Freedman has been satisfied with Outspan’s preparation, noting the horse showed ability in his initial campaign with a win at Rosehill in January and a Group 3 placing.
“He ran second in the Pago Pago (Stakes) and I think he’s come back in good order,” Freedman commented.
The impending return of the new-season three-year-olds might help to ease the blow for Freedman’s team after ATC Australian Oaks runner-up Profoundly was retired last week due to a leg injury sustained at trackwork.
“She did a suspensory,” Freedman revealed.
“We had a good look at her, and you could rehab her for twelve months and take your chances, but most of the owners were of the view it was better to retire to stud.
“It’s a shame to lose her.”
Profoundly raced 11 times for three wins, most notably the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April, finishing her career with just under $500,000 in prizemoney.
Check out the racing odds for the Rosebud at your favourite betting sites.
