A revised build-up into the 2026 Canterbury Sprint has trainer Michael Freedman confident Insurrection can again feature strongly in Canterbury’s New Year’s Day showpiece.

The six-year-old resumes in Thursday’s Listed 1200m event, aiming to break a winless run that dates back to his triumph in the race last year.

Insurrection’s 2025 success followed a runner-up effort in the Group 3 Razor Sharp Stakes, which itself came after a victory in the $300,000 The Warra.

The Russian Revolution gelding has not raced since finishing seventh in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes on April 1, a run that prompted a long and deliberate spell.

“He just had a few aches and pains that he was dealing with and we were more or less one step forward, two steps back with him,” Freedman said.

“So, we just decided to give him a nice, long break and let him go and be a horse for a few months in the paddock, which he did, and I think he’s really enjoyed that and come back with a bit of a fresh body and fresh mindset.”

Since returning to work, Insurrection has produced two polished 850m trials at Randwick Kensington, including an easy win and a close second under minimal urging.

“It’s probably one of those things where you’d love to it to be maybe 1000 or 1100 rather than the 1200, but just at this time of year there’s simply nothing else around that suits a horse of his rating,” Freedman said.

“He’s had two nice trials going into it, he’s had a nice steady build-up, and I think it’s a nice race for him.

“Whether he’s quite rock-hard fit enough for it against a few race-fit horses remains to be seen, but he’s a very competitive, genuine customer, so I’m sure he’ll give his all.”

Insurrection will be partnered by Tommy Berry and will jump from barrier six in a full field of 15 runners.

Canterbury Sprint odds can be found through the Australian betting sites list.