Lee Freedman focused on Stradbroke Handicap repeat despite 20 years in wilderness

WHEN Danasinga won the Stradbroke in 1996, it was a snap decision by Lee Freedman to revert to the shorter course after he failed as favourite in the Hollindale Stakes.

On course: Malaguerra wins at Flemington in November.

WHEN Danasinga won the first million-dollar Stradbroke in 1996, it was a snap decision by Lee Freedman to revert to the shorter course after he failed as favourite in the Hollindale Stakes.

Two decades later, Freedman’s Stradbroke mission with Malaguerra is more deliberate and has been in the pipeline for more than six months.

The Hall Of Fame trainer on Sunday booked Glen Colless to take the ride in Saturday’s Group 1 BTC Cup.

The $1.5 million Stradbroke is the primary target as Freedman tries to replicate his success in the race 20 years later.

Malaguerra has won nine from 17 starts and the one positive out of his unplaced run in the All Aged Stakes is that he won’t be penalised at the weights in the Stradbroke.

“I always thought Malaguerra was a good horse and his win in Melbourne Cup week last year confirmed that to me. It was then that I started thinking about him as a Stradbroke horse,’’ Freedman said.

“Nothing since has changed my opinion that he will be really well suited to the race.

Malaguerra headlines the Winter Carnival for Lee Freedman and brother Anthony. Picture: Jay Town

“Danasinga was 16-1 when he won the Stradbroke and the party was good, I can’t really remember much about it.

“It would certainly be good to win another Stradbroke.’’

Malaguerra headlines the Winter Carnival for Freedman and brother Anthony, but their team could be strengthened by potential Doomben Cup runner Our Ivanhowe.

Freedman indicated the German import had recovered from a foot injury, but conceded injury concerns were becoming a “constant battle’’ and his Brisbane mission hinged on his liking for wet tracks.

Heading north: Lee Freedman works around his Flemington stables. Picture: Colleen Petch

CARNIVAL OFF AGENDA

VRC St Leger winner Cool Chap is rated highly in Queensland Derby betting, but Freedman indicated he’s an unlikely carnival runner.

“He will run in the South Australian Derby (this Saturday) and the high likelihood is he will go for a spell after that,’’ Freedman said.

INSIGHT INTO FARM LIFE

THE Thoroughbred Racing History association is hosting an open day at the Racing Museum at Eagle Farm racecourse on Wednesday, where the museum will be open to the public from 11am-4pm.

It will include an exhibition of memorabilia of racing’s 150 years of history at Eagle Farm, while visitors will also be able to inspect the new Eagle Farm racing surface.

Among memorabilia on display will be the prizemoney cheque that became key evidence in the infamous Daylate ring-in at Eagle Farm in 1940, dramatic photographs showing the perils of starts before the advent of barrier stalls and photos from the day Bert Hinkler landed his plane in the home straight during his record-breaking solo flight from England to Australia.

Originally published as Lee Freedman focused on Stradbroke Handicap repeat despite 20 years in wilderness