Trainer Michael Freedman was still absorbing the stewards’ decision concerning Transcend’s disqualification when Polyglot secured a win for the stable in the immediately following race, the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Freedman was momentarily taken aback when the trainer of the third-placegetter, Street Artist, passed by and remarked: “We might protest.”
It was later clarified that the comment was a tongue-in-cheek remark from Michael’s brother, Anthony.
Polyglot’s win served as a welcome consolation for the disappointment Michael Freedman was still feeling after Transcend’s earlier setback.
“In this business, you have to abide by the judge’s decision,” was Freedman’s diplomatic statement when asked to comment on the protest ruling that saw Transcend, the first horse across the line, relegated to second behind Mind Ya Buzz.
However, Polyglot ($6), guided by jockey Tim Clark, had Freedman smiling again as it held off the late charge of Off The Press ($7) by a neck, with Street Artist ($3.70 favourite) a further nose back in third.
“We got into a nice spot but I had to be patient as he only has as short, sharp sprint,” Clark explained. “But he was very tough today.”
Freedman commended Clark’s tactically perfect ride on Polyglot, a former Godolphin galloper that Scott Darby of Darby Racing Syndications purchased prior to the start of last season.
“I recommended Darby Racing buy this horse because I thought he would be the perfect type for them,” Freedman stated. “He’s a tough, sound horse, he’s genuine and rarely runs a bad race. He’s done a great job for us so far with two wins from his last three starts and he’s very consistent.”
Earlier in the Rosehill program, Concordia Wind delivered an early brace of wins for Sydney racing’s champion trainer-jockey combination of Chris Waller and James McDonald when she took out the Schweppes Handicap (1900m).
Concordia Wind ($3.80 favourite) was provided with the run of the race by McDonald and pulled clear to win by one-and-a-half lengths from Flying From Above ($18), with Leovanni ($5) finishing a close third.
“This was the right race for her today,” said Waller, who also prepared Steel Will to score earlier in the day.
“James gave her a good ride and she has run the 1900m out well, so she should get out to 2000m at least.”
When McDonald was asked about Concordia Wind’s ultimate distance potential, the jockey made a light-hearted comment that still carried a ring of truth.
“Chris could train a 1200m horse to run 2400m!” McDonald declared.
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