Trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman had their work cut-out getting Excommunicado to the racetrack.
After showing promise in trials as a two-year-old, Excommunicado finally made it to the track to score a debut maiden win at Mornington in late December.
Now the daughter of I Am Invincible makes her city debut on Saturday when she heads to The McCafe Handicap (1200m) at Caulfield.
Sam Freedman explained Excommunicado had hind feet issues that delayed her getting to the racetrack.
“The farriers have done a tremendous job with her, along with the vets,” Freedman said.
“So, it hasn’t been straight-forward getting her to the races, but now that she’s fit, and sound, and well, she’s probably appreciated a bit of maturity also.”
Excommunicado was sent out a well-backed $1.40 betting site favourite, firming in from $1.60, before scoring by a length at Mornington at her first start.
Freedman said the filly may not have been visually impressive but had taken a deal of improvement from the outing.
“It may not have been as impressive as you would have hoped, but Luke (Currie) held on to her and then she was strong late,” Freedman said.
“She’s had a gap between runs and a trial last week which was solid.
“I think she is around the mark, but this will be a solid test for her.”
Part-owned by breeder Jonathan Munz, the eventual hope is Excommunicado will find her way to Stakes level at some stage during the campaign.
“If she can win on Saturday, or run really well, there’s some nice filly’s races coming up and this is a small stepping stone on that path,” Freedman said.
“She won trials as a two-year-old pretty impressively, so she’s always had good talent.”
