Trainer Michael Freedman made mention of the Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle as possible spring carnival targets for promising Decorum after his impressive return to racing at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
They might seem lofty Group 1 ambitions for a four-year-old still in restricted grade but Decorum’s fast-finishing win in the TAB Handicap (1200m) was that of horse with obvious potential.
Decorum was buried well back in the ruck coming to the turn but some skilful riding from Tim Clark found clear galloping room in the centre of the straight and the gelding did the rest.
“I’ve always felt he was a horse with a lot of ability,” Freedman said.
“He’s well-bred (by Snitzel) but he was going to get very heavy so we felt he needed gelding to bring out the best in him.
“I thought he had trialled really well leading into this race but you want to see them do it on raceday and he certainly produced today.
“His acceleration in the straight was very good and we might see if he can emerge as a possible lightweight chance in the Epsom or even the Golden Eagle.”
Decorum ($4.80) powered home to win by a widening margin of more than two lengths from Unleeshing ($15) with Off The Press ($15) a length away third.
Clark said Decorum had shaped promisingly in both trials and he was quietly confident going into today’s race.
“I thought he was the best horse in the race and it was just a matter of getting him into the clear,” Clark said.
“I really liked the way he let down in the straight, he wanted to be a racehorse today.”
Decorum improved his record to four wins from just six starts and gave Freedman the confidence to plan the four-year-old’s spring campaign.
“I expected him to run very well, the only concern was the 1200m,” Freedman said.
“But he was able to get the job done and he should only improve as he gets out over further.”
