Fresh from a short break, Forbidden Love is back in work for Michael Freedman
Classy mare Forbidden Love will have a crucial barrier trial on Tuesday to determine whether she can reignite her spring carnival campaign.
The triple Group 1 winner has not raced since turning in her second below par run of the preparation when midfield in the Winx Stakes in August.
Unable to pinpoint a reason for her lacklustre efforts, trainer Michael Freedman opted to give her a short freshen-up before bringing her back to the stable and starting anew.
“I couldn’t really put my finger on those two runs, so I just figured, let’s pull up for a few weeks and then reload,” Freedman said.
“We will trial her on Tuesday and then decide which way we go from there, but if she trials well enough, we might go to the Sydney Stakes on Everest day.
“She looks amazing, her work has been great. If she can put in a good enough barrier trial on Tuesday, then we still might be in business for a race like that.”
The trial session is also set to feature a number of Everest contenders with Snapdancer, Joyful Fortune and Shades Of Rose all nominated for heats.
Meanwhile, Forbidden Love’s stablemate, emerging three-year-old Communist, will be given the chance to exact revenge on his Dulcify Stakes conqueror Williamsburg in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
Having his first test in stakes company, Communist finished a brave second to Williamsburg on Saturday and after consulting with jockey James Mcdonald, Freedman said he was happy to send Communist straight to the October 22 race without another run.
“He has jumped from a benchmark 68 into that grade and I think it was a Dulcify with a bit of depth,” Freedman said.
“James gave him a brilliant ride, he just got pegged on the line by a slightly more seasoned horse at that level.
“He’s quite a lightly framed, naturally fit horse so going three weeks between runs would actually be of benefit to the horse.”
