The ultimate goal for trainer Mitch Freedman is to achieve a Cox Plate victory, solidifying his place among the trainers of the weight-for-age champions.

This Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) will be contested at a different venue, moving away from the intense environment of Moonee Valley.

Due to redevelopment works at Moonee Valley, Flemington will host the race, offering a distinct experience from its previous 105 runnings.

Trainer Mitch Freedman remains unconcerned by the change of venue as he prepares the in-form galloper Attrition, a $51 outsider, who most recently claimed victory in the second Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill.

Attrition, who has amassed close to $4.4 million in prize money from five wins over 33 starts, has often flown under the radar.

He was narrowly beaten in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington as a three-year-old and also has a win in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) to his credit.

Freedman is of the opinion that the seven-year-old gelding is performing better this year than when he finished fourth in last year’s Cox Plate, ahead of Light Infantry Man and Aeliana.

“Everything he’s doing, whether that’s the feel he’s giving us under saddle, or whether it be the run in the Hill Stakes, says he is,” Freedman said.

“The data we are seeing comparable to his gallops last year, he’s in such a better spot.

“Some of the horses that he beat home last year are significantly shorter in the market, so he’s a good roughie for the punters out there.”

While Attrition has not yet won at Flemington, it is notable that he also had not recorded a win at Moonee Valley before his previous Cox Plate start.

In addition to his Australian Guineas placing, Attrition has also achieved a second-place finish in a Blamey Stakes.

“He was narrowly beaten in an Australian Guineas, and he’s had a few other hard luck stories when he’s gone around at Flemington and hasn’t quite had things in his favour,” Freedman stated.

“We’re hoping that he will get that from the good draw on Saturday and when it’s really time to put your hand up, he’s one of them.

“He’s handled high-tempo races in the past and the spot he’s in at the moment, he sets himself up well to handle it.

“It is the stuff you dream of racing in the Cox Plate and we’re certainly coming off a long run up competing against some of these stables and horses, but he’s in great shape and we’re looking forward to Saturday.”

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