Trainer Mitchell Freedman is confident Attrition is back on track after a confidence-building trial at Horsham ahead of his next assignment at Moonee Valley.

Attrition endured a horror run when finishing last in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16, squeezed badly and losing all momentum. Freedman turned to a country trial to restore his charge’s confidence and followed up with a strong Valley gallop to sharpen him for Saturday’s Group 2 So You Think Stakes (1500m).

“I was rapt with the work he did at Horsham,” Freedman said. “Alana Kelly partnered him there. She said he was a little hesitant to go into a gap, but when she gave him a squeeze he quickened into it. That was pleasing to see… the interference at Caulfield was quite significant, so it was good to see him come through it well. We’re looking forward to Saturday and he’s going to be better the further he gets out in trip.”

The Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on October 11 remains a major goal for the entire, having won the $2 million race last year. Freedman says Attrition’s program is flexible but will revolve around that feature. “It might be a stronger edition this year, but he races well there and we’ll take our chance again,” he said.

Fans and punters can follow Attrition’s return in the So You Think Stakes via Australia’s trusted betting sites.