SYDNEY - Victorian trainer Lee Freedman didn't take much out of group one-winning stayer Speed Gifted's first-up run in Sydney other than that he expects the gelding to significantly improve in Saturday's Ranvet Stakes.
The imported stayer, who claimed the Metropolitan Hcp in Sydney last spring, disappointed Freedman in the
Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) in which he finished last, but the trainer is confident he knows the reasons for the 5-length defeat.
"He pulled up a bit shabby after the Chipping Norton because of the hot, humid day so I hope we don't get a day like that on Saturday and I think he'll improve a lot," Freedman said.
"We weren't happy after the race because he looked like he was going to run a clear fourth to Theseo on the corner which would have been a great first-up run at a mile.
"But he fell out of the race in the straight and pulled up like he'd done all his work before the race.
"He had a huge sweat before the race and got himself over-excited, which is him a bit.
"I'm hoping this Saturday he'll be a lot more relaxed and run a better race."
Freedman was in Sydney on Tuesday to watch Speed Gifted and Dane Julia work ahead of their group one assignments on Saturday, and believes the step-up to 2000m in the Ranvet should also help Speed Gifted's cause.
"A mile and a half is more his trip but he should still run well at 2000m," the trainer said.
"The horse looks well and he's working well so I'm expecting good improvement on Saturday."
The Montjeu 6-year-old, who has won three of his six starts since joining the Freedman stable from Europe, is being aimed at the The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on April 3.
He is currently the second favourite for The BMW at $6.50 with TAB Sportsbet behind Chipping Norton Stakes winner Theseo at $5.50.
The pair will meet again on Saturday with the Gai Waterhouse-trained runner out to claim the Ranvet for the second year in a row.
- AAP
