The Anthony and Sam Freedman stable has unveiled another emerging three-year-old after Point Barrow produced a dazzling finish to claim the Red Roses Stakes (1200m) down the Flemington straight on Thursday.
The win continues a hot run for the stable, coming just days after Tentyris took out the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m). Tentyris returns to headquarters on Saturday to tackle the older sprinters in the VRC Champions Sprint (1200m).
Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, Point Barrow unleashed a brilliant turn of foot to reel in her stablemate Inkaruna and score by 1¼ lengths, with Miss Freelove finishing the same margin away in third.
There was drama post-race when Jye McNeil, rider of fourth-placed Akaysha, lodged a protest against the first two across the line, but stewards quickly dismissed the objection.
Sam Freedman said Point Barrow has serious talent but is still a work in progress.
“She’s got a really sharp change-up speed, but she’s still doing a bit wrong,” Freedman said.
“She was a bit keen early, and that’s part of why we came here instead of throwing her into the deep end in something like the Coolmore. Once she learns her craft, she can be a pretty special filly.”
The win carried a strong sense of emotion, with the filly racing in the colours of the McKenna family. Janice McKenna was on track just 12 months after the passing of her husband Colin, whose legacy continues to influence the sport.
The couple bred Half Yours, the horse who won the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
“It’s really special Janice is here today,” Freedman said.
“Col was a great supporter and mentor to so many. I’m sure he’d be very proud.”
Champion trainer Ciaron Maher and Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Calvin McEvoy were among those to congratulate the McKenna family, reflecting on Colin’s influence.
“There was no more popular person in racing than Colin,” Maher said. “He’ll be smiling down today.”
Point Barrow is now likely to head to the paddock, but Freedman said no decision would be made until they see how she comes through the run.
“She’s done enough this prep,” he said.
“We’ll see how she pulls up, but something like the Robert Sangster Stakes in the autumn would be a lovely target.”