Mitch Freedman’s focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he won with Skybird, but he was an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.
The Ballarat trainer was excited to see Cosmic Crusader score a dominant 1-3/4-length win in the 2000-metre Group 1.
The Freedman-trained Attrition was a similar margin off Cosmic Crusader last start when third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m), endorsing his formline as he prepares for another crack at the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill this Saturday.
“He’s certainly up to that level, but he did just have a longer spell than usual and took a little bit of time to get fit,” Freedman said of the campaign to date.
“We were glad to see that good progression last start and hopefully he carries it up to Sydney.”
The Underwood Stakes was the third start this campaign for Attrition, who resumed with a ninth placing in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) before finishing 11th of 16 in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m).
He was 2-1/4 off Cosmic Crusader in the Underwood Stakes, which was won by Birdman.
Heading to Rosehill for the Hill Stakes has become a regular thing for Freedman and Attrition, who has filled a quinella slot the past two years.
After winning it two years ago, the son of Churchill beat home all bar Lindermann last year.
“He’s shaping up like he’s going to go there and run really well again,” he said.
“He’s been there a couple of times, for a win and a second, so we’re just hoping he can go there and run well again.”
Beau Mertens was aboard Attrition the year he won the Hill Stakes and Kerrin McEvoy had the job last year, but Jamie Mott heads up this week after teaming up with Attrition for the first time in the Underwood Stakes.
“I think he suits him really well and I reckon he’s a good rider for him,” Freedman said.
Attrition was one of 14 entries for the Hill Stakes, with his conqueror from last year, Kovalica – the horse he defeated two years ago – Zambardo, Idle Flyer and King Pedro among his other potential rivals.
