Trainer Mitchell Freedman proclaimed ‘it’s what you do it for’ as the tenacious Attrition battled past fellow tough competitor Lindermann to secure his second victory in the $2 million Hill Stakes.
Attrition, who captured the Group 2 feature in 2024 and was runner-up to Lindermann twelve months ago, found himself back on the honour roll at Rosehill on Saturday, renewing their spirited rivalry.
In a thrilling finish, Attrition ($6), ridden by Jamie Mott, managed to get the better of Nash Rawiller aboard Lindermann ($1.70 fav) in the final metres, winning by a half-neck. Eliyass ($9) trailed another three-quarters of a length behind in third.
‘If there is any vision of me jumping up and down, I might win the vertical leap at the AFL draft if they want to put me in after that,’ a jubilant Freedman quipped.
‘It was obviously a really competitive race up there on speed. The first three in running were first three across the line. Nash rated his horse to perfection, Jamie Mott pulled out at the right time, and it was a good dual the last fifty metres. When they went past me, I could see him start to put his head in front and it’s such a good feeling. These are the things you soak up. It’s what you do it for, and we’ll certainly enjoy it.’
Freedman, whose training base is in Ballarat, Victoria, planned Attrition’s preparation around the Hill Stakes (1900m) being his fourth run of the campaign, a strategy he has employed for the past two editions.
The gelding has now achieved five wins from 33 starts, with 10 additional placings, and his prize money total now exceeds $5.5 million following his success on Saturday.
Freedman indicated that Attrition has been an incredible horse for his stable and sees no reason why the horse could not return next year to contest a third consecutive victory.
‘We’ll mark it in the calendar, mark it as the fourth-up run, and do our best,’ he said. ‘It’s not too many times he’s out of that weight-for-age level and he keeps showing up. He’s a beautiful, sound horse. He’s got the best temperament that you’ll ever come across and he’s a much loved member of our team, that’s for sure.’
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