Two of the Anthony and Sam Freedman could kick off their spring campaigns in lesser races at Caulfield.
Blue Diamond Stakes winner Daumier is being earmarked for the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) on Saturday while stablemate Argentia could start-off in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes (1200m).
Both were taken to The Valley last week to gallop before jump-outs over 800m at Flemington on Friday.
Sam Freedman said Daumier was being aimed at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 29, however the stable could also swing him north to Sydney to run in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on September 24.
“His preparation is largely centred around the Coolmore,” Freedman said.
“We’ll give the Golden Rose some thought as he seems to handle soft ground without a problem.
“We stretched him out to seven furlongs in the autumn, but he probably just didn’t see it out as well as we would have liked, so the sprint trips are likely to be in his favour.”
Argentia had her second trial in preparation for her return, having not raced since finishing seventh in the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in May.
Freedman said Argentia had an extended break following the Sangster Stakes.
The Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival is her ultimate target this campaign.
“She had a really nice trial down the straight at Flemington the other week and she had another one on Friday,” Freedman said.
“She may resume in the Cockram Stakes, but we may also wait another week, but she’s heading towards the Empire Rose, so we’ve got a bit of time on her hands.
“This is the first preparation that we’ve been able to get some really good groundwork into her, so hopefully she can have a really clear prep.
“She’s had hampered preparations throughout her career so far. She’s a mare that needs some racing and we really do want to see her out to a mile and in time she may even stretch out further than that.”
