Anthony and Sam Freedman take over training of Group 1 winner Communist
Anthony and Sam Freedman have taken over the training of Group 1 winner Communist and a pleasing trial have provided them with optimism he could regain winning form.
Horse Racing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Horse Racing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Training duo Anthony and Sam Freedman have delved into their bag of tricks in a bid to get a Group 1-winning recruit back to his best form in his autumn preparation.
The pair have taken up the challenge of getting the 2023 Randwick Guineas winner Communist back to winning ways.
Communist has not placed since his Randwick Guineas triumph for Sydney trainer Michael Freedman but has run respectable races in tough assignment such as the $10m Golden Eagle in that period.
• PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet’s team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
Sam Freedman said his uncle recommended the stable change to Communist’s owners.
“He’s been quirky and Michael has tried a lot of different things with him and he actually recommended to Michael Koundouris, the main owner, and the ownership group that maybe a change of environment to Cranbourne might suit,” Freedman said.
“We’ve been pretty transparent with the owners.
“We can’t guarantee that we’ll turn him around but we’ll try a lot of different things but try to get a result.”
The Cranbourne Training Centre has bush tracks, sand trails and dunes to accompany its many galloping surfaces, giving Communist’s new trainers many tools to rejuvenate the five-year-old.
“We’ve done a lot different stuff with him like take him through the sand dunes and other things,” Freedman said.
“He’s not the most straightforward horse but he’s got nice ability.”
Communist progressed to trial stage at Cranbourne on Monday morning.
The son of Russian Revolution was one of five runners from the stable in the opening heat, finishing second to imported stablemate Place Du Carrousel.
Freedman said Communist pleased the stable with his effort and would resume at Flemington on Saturday week.
“He’ll probably line up on Lightning Stakes day in a Listed race over 1400m at Flemington,” Freedman said.
“Zac Purton has been booked to ride him as he won the Guineas on him.”
• Monday Racebook: Horses to follow and forgive from Sandown
Freedman said Place Du Carrousel was disappointing in her two spring runs but had returned in good order for her latest preparation.
He added firm tracks might have caused Place Du Carrousel’s two unplaced runs last time in but the mare was likely to resume in Sydney.
“Place Du Carrousel closed off nicely and she will hold a nomination for the Apollo Stakes next Saturday and we’ll give that some consideration,” Freedman said.
“She’s been quite sharp this prep and looks to have come back well.
“Maybe she just needs some sting out of the ground on raceday so we’ll see how that pans out.”
Group 1 Might And Power Stakes winner Deny Knowledge was third in the trial.
Freedman said she would trial again before starting on her path towards the Group 1 Australian Cup.
Originally published as Anthony and Sam Freedman take over training of Group 1 winner Communist
Caulfield Guineas winner in line for crack at Orr Stakes
Caulfield Guineas winner Private Life is one of two three-year-olds entered for a crack at star galloper Mr Brightside in Saturday’s Group 1 CF Orr Stakes at Caulfield.
Waller to train New Zealand Oaks favourite
Prominent owner Ozzie Kheir has bought into an exciting New Zealand filly who will be sent to master trainer Chris Waller.