Trainer Jason Warren has put a temporary hold on the pursuit of a stakes race success with Freereturn, electing to miss the Listed Straight Six at Flemington.
Next Saturday’s 1200-metre feature would have been a logical option for the five-year-old who has posted three of seven wins at the distance, but he will instead contest the second heat of the Winter Championship (1400m) on the same program.
Warren’s racing manager Simon Lavery said Freereturn was better suited over a slightly longer distance at this stage of his campaign after he ran below expectations when eighth to Second Effort in the Listed Wangoom Handicap (1200m) at Warrnambool on May 2.
“We certainly think he’s capable of winning a stakes race but he raced a bit dour in the Wangoom,” Lavery said.
The stable attributed the performance, in part, to Freereturn failing to adjust back in distance after contesting his only other stakes race, the Listed Anniversary Vase (1440m) at Caulfield on April 21 when a gallant third to Utah Saints and Dusty Star.
“Next Saturday, back in class to an open handicap over 1400 metres and rock, hard fit on a big wide track around a bend at Flemington will suit him,” Lavery said.
He said it was unclear whether Freereturn would pursue other heats of the Winter Championship and a start in the $150,000 Listed Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Flemington on July 7.
“The aim is this race on Saturday and we will see how he is after that,” Lavery said.
“He’s had three big runs this time in, including a win at Moonee Valley, and should be very competitive once again on Saturday but after that we might even give him a little let up and bring him back for the spring.”
