Michael Freedman readily admits he isnât quite sure what to expect from new recruit Givemethebeatboys when the former European sprinter makes his local debut in the Expressway Stakes at Randwick.
While imports now make up a decent percentage of Australian racingâs equine population, the vast majority are bred for longer distances, not speed.
Just where that leaves Givemethebeatboys, a Group 1 placegetter and three-time stakes winner over 1207m in Ireland, Freedman hopes to find out on Saturday.
âTo be honest, Iâm not entirely sure. I am still learning my way with him,â Freedman said.
âItâs a bit of a rarity we have European horses coming out here with sprinting form. Itâs usually the middle distance, staying types of horses.
âBut he has done really well since he came out of quarantine. He has been very straightforward and heâs got a beautiful, relaxed temperament for a four-year-old stallion.â
Givemethebeatboys had trialled twice in readiness for the Expressway Stakes (1200m) where he will meet just five rivals, albeit among them are Group 1 winners Joliestar and Magic Time.
Tim Clark has the mount and Freedman is as interested as anybody to see how his charge acquits himself, especially around a bend.
âWhile itâs a small field, itâs a pretty good quality field so weâll get a better guide on where he sits,â he said.
âI think every one of his starts in the UK and Ireland has been up the straight course. Heâs had the two trials around the bend here, but he has never actually been to the races around a bend so thatâs something new for him too.â
Clark will be bidding to win the Group 2 sprint for the fourth time in eight years after recent victories aboard Mariamia (2023), Overpass (2022) and Trapeze Artist (2018).
