Teamwork to help conquer Royal Ascot

Chris Waller checked in with the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable to see how their preparation was progressing ahead of their trip to Royal Ascot.

They will become fierce competitors come race day, but in the planning for a trip to Royal Ascot the two trainers involved are happy to work in together.

Chris Waller along with the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable teamed up at Flemington on Friday for a special three-horse jump-out over 900m.

The Waller pair of Nature Strip and Home Affairs were joined by Artorius, and that was the way the jump-out played out.

Nature Strip is aiming at the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot on June 14 with Home Affairs and Artorius heading to the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee Stakes (1200m) on June 18.

Normally stables go their own separate ways in preparing for big races, but the trio are representing Australia on the world stage.

Sam Freedman said he had had little contact with Waller since joining his father in a training partnership until the champion Sydney trainer made contact.

“He actually reached out and gave me a call last week,” Freedman said.

“He offered his help over there if we needed to use his riders at any stage or anything like that.

“He was checking in to see how we were going with our preparation, and we chatted about how we wanted to trial the horses this morning.

“It has felt like a team effort.

“Obviously, you are fiercely competitive in the race and preparing them, but it feels like you are representing our jurisdiction out here, so you want to work together to try and get the best result.

“I’m sure when they’re racing it won’t be as friendly, but the lead-up has been pleasant.”

Waller said without the Freedman’s help, Friday morning’s jump-out was unlikely to have occurred.

“Sam’s been great to work with and we’ve tried to help him out,” Waller said.

“He’s worked in with us and made this morning possible.

“We’ll try and help them as much as we can and all we want to do is do the best we can for each other.”