Mitch Freedman’s attention at Flemington last Saturday was focused on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he won with Skybird, but he was also an observer of the Turnbull Stakes.
The Ballarat trainer was pleased to see Cosmic Crusader record a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1 event.
Attrition, trained by Freedman, was a similar margin behind Cosmic Crusader when finishing third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) last start, endorsing his form as he prepares for another attempt at the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill this Saturday.
“He’s certainly up to that level, but he did just have a longer spell than usual and took a little bit of time to get fit,” Freedman said of the campaign to date. “We were glad to see that good progression last start and hopefully he carries it up to Sydney.”
The Underwood Stakes was the third start this campaign for Attrition, who resumed with a ninth placing in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) before finishing 11th of 16 in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m).
He was 2-1/4 lengths behind Cosmic Crusader in the Underwood Stakes, which was won by Birdman.
Heading to Rosehill for the Hill Stakes has become a familiar occurrence for Freedman and Attrition, who have finished in the quinella placings for the past two years.
After winning the race two years ago, the son of Churchill finished second to Lindermann last year.
“He’s shaping up like he’s going to go there and run really well again,” he said. “He’s been there a couple of times, for a win and a second, so we’re just hoping he can go there and run well again.”
Beau Mertens was aboard Attrition the year he won the Hill Stakes and Kerrin McEvoy had the ride last year, but Jamie Mott heads up this week after teaming up with Attrition for the first time in the Underwood Stakes.
“I think he suits him really well and I reckon he’s a good rider for him,” Freedman stated.
Attrition was one of 14 entries for the Hill Stakes, with his potential rivals including last year’s winner Kovalica, the horse he defeated two years ago, Zambardo, Idle Flyer, and King Pedro.
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