The connections of Freshman will receive an immediate gauge of the three-year-old’s standing when he makes his initial appearance in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.

Trainer Bryce Heys, typically reserved in his horse placements, has been enticed by the small field of eight runners, alongside the natural aptitude and progression his charge has demonstrated at home.

While not underestimating the challenge Freshman faces in tackling a Listed race at his first start, Heys anticipates the colt will perform admirably.

“The reason we’ve always liked him is the way he works,” Heys said. “When you teach him something, he’s always wanted to come to the party. It’s obviously a big ask on Saturday, but he’s in great order and he’s a lovely horse.”

By Wild Ruler, Freshman, who was born in New Zealand, was acquired for $380,000 from the 2025 Karaka sale. He participated in two trials leading up to Saturday’s Heritage Stakes (1100m), winning his most recent outing. During this trial, he showed a tendency to pull for rein early, which Heys attributed to a lack of speed in the heat, not poor manners.

“They went very slow in that last trial. It wasn’t a true reflection,” Heys elaborated. “He will come back off the bridle. He has always been a touch immature, but he’s always had a sharp level of ability and just physically gotten stronger each time he’s been in work.”

Heys also has the lightly-raced Banjora entered in the TAB Handicap (1100m), but the decision on whether the gelding will resume from an awkward draw will be made on race morning.

Banjora, a winner of his first three races, later secured a placing in the Gosford heat of the Provincial-Midway Championships (1200m) before finishing fourth to Lord Of Biscay in the Wildcard (1400m). Lord Of Biscay subsequently went on to win the Final.

“I’m not in a hurry to get him started. He’s obviously drawn a bit tricky,” Heys explained. “It’s just the fact he’s first-up and starting first-up quite higher in grade than he has previously, so I’m mindful of that, despite his ability. We’ve got him in there as if we’re going to run, but I haven’t committed to that yet.”

Heys described Banjora as a robust gelding who would benefit from racing, noting that he has had an uninterrupted preparation. “We love the horse, but I don’t have a grand plan for him,” he added. “I just feel he needs a little bit of racing. He may get himself somewhere this time around, but I just want him to have a good ‘prep’ where he sets himself up for a really nice autumn.”

Aaron Bullock has been engaged to partner both Heys-trained runners.

The Heritage Stakes is shaping up to be a competitive affair, and keen punters are checking the racing betting markets for the best value.