Santa has presence to atone for recent Randwick failure

LEE Freedman has tipped a quieter ride will bring a change of fortune for costly last-start Randwick failure Santa Ana Lane in Saturday’s Gold Coast Guineas.

Santa Ana Lane (yellow cap) wins during the Melbourne summer. Picture: Michael Klein

LEE Freedman has tipped a quieter ride will bring a change of fortune for costly last-start Randwick failure Santa Ana Lane in Saturday’s Gold Coast Guineas.

Santa Ana Lane is in a battle for favouritism with Takedown in the Group 3 feature, with both having raced well during the Sydney carnival.

Santa Ana Lane was an eye-catching second in the South Pacific Classic before failing a week later as a short-priced pick against older horses.

Freedman, who trains the son of Lope De Vega in partnership with his brother Anthony, expects a more dynamic performance on Saturday.

“We probably rode him a bit too aggressively last start and when he didn’t get closer than three-deep without cover, it was always going to be an issue especially carrying 60kg,” Freedman said.

“In this race he looks particularly suited at set weights and has a good jockey (Damian Browne) and a good barrier (2).”

Takedown finished in front of Santa Ana Lane at their lone meeting, but Freedman felt his horse should have finished closer.

CARNIVAL SETBACK FOR GOLLAN

TONY Gollan’s carnival has suffered a setback with sprinter Didntcostalot ruled out with a minor strained ligament.

Didntcostalot had been on the third line of betting for the BTC Cup after stretching the fancied Fell Swoop last week.

Stablemate Fontelina is also out for the carnival.

Gollan said Didntcostalot will now be prepared for the George Moore Stakes in December, while only time will tell whether Fontelina has run his last race.

Gollan has Traveston Girl and Tina Melina resuming in the Silk Stocking on Saturday.

“I think Traveston Girl is at ridiculous odds,” Gollan said. “She’s drawn out, but I can see her rolling forward into a reasonably good spot.

“Tina Melina I think is drawn more awkwardly than her and I’m just worried how far she has to go back to get in.

“Both mares are going really well.”

Originally published as Santa has presence to atone for recent Randwick failure