Michael Freedman readily admits he isn’t quite sure what to expect from new recruit Givemethebeatboys when the former European sprinter makes his local debut in the Expressway Stakes at Randwick.
While imports now make up a decent percentage of Australian racing’s equine population, the vast majority are bred for longer distances, not speed.
Just where that leaves Givemethebeatboys, a Group 1 placegetter and three-time stakes winner over 1207m in Ireland, Freedman hopes to find out on Saturday.
“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. I am still learning my way with him,” Freedman said.
“It’s a bit of a rarity we have European horses coming out here with sprinting form. It’s usually the middle distance, staying types of horses.
“But he has done really well since he came out of quarantine. He has been very straightforward and he’s got a beautiful, relaxed temperament for a four-year-old stallion.”
Givemethebeatboys had trialled twice in readiness for the Expressway Stakes (1200m) where he will meet just five rivals, albeit among them are Group 1 winners Joliestar and Magic Time.
Tim Clark has the mount and Freedman is as interested as anybody to see how his charge acquits himself, especially around a bend.
“While it’s a small field, it’s a pretty good quality field so we’ll get a better guide on where he sits,” he said.
“I think every one of his starts in the UK and Ireland has been up the straight course. He’s had the two trials around the bend here, but he has never actually been to the races around a bend so that’s something new for him too.”
Clark will be bidding to win the Group 2 sprint for the fourth time in eight years after recent victories aboard Mariamia (2023), Overpass (2022) and Trapeze Artist (2018).
