Michael Freedman feared a hefty handicap might bring Tiger Of Malay undone but instead it was an inside barrier that almost spoiled the horse’s winning return.
Freedman admitted to pre-race reservations over the Group 2 winner shouldering topweight of 61kg in Saturday’s Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) and instructed jockey James Mcdonald to try to give the horse plenty of galloping room.
But after drawing gate one and enjoying a good passage in transit, Tiger Of Malay became strung up behind horses and there were several anxious moments for favourite backers before he surged through a narrow split to score.
“We discussed trying to get a run where he could keep his momentum up, rather than having to stop-start and then sprint with that weight,” Freedman said.
“As it turned out, that is what he had to do when he took that inside run, so it was a really good comeback win.”
Having his first start since a Group 1 J J Atkins placing in June, Tiger Of Malay ($3.30 fav) stuck his head out when it mattered to defeat Coastwatch ($6.50) by a nose with Construct ($7) doing his best work late another long head away.
McDonald said the fact the horse managed to overcome an interrupted passage spoke volumes for his spring prospects and predicted he would be at his best when stepped up to a mile.
“I don’t like that barrier one sometimes. It can work in our favour and it can work against us,” McDonald said.
“The first half of the race went beautifully. He jumped out and mustered speed really well and then the field sorted itself out with genuine speed throughout.
“It got a little bit sticky there. I was held up for a few strides but I was on the right horse to be able to get that little bit of clear air and he dashed late under the big weight.”
Freedman will let the dust settle before determining Tiger Of Malay’s next target but races like the Golden Rose (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m) remain on the radar.
He was also thrilled to see the colt go on with the job at three after a successful juvenile season.
“You see it year in, year out with the top two-year-olds, a lot don’t come back at three for various reasons,” Freedman said.
“To see ‘Tiger’ chalk up a Group Three at his first run back as a three-year-old just consolidates him as a stallion prospect for (owner) Henry Field and the Newgate crew.”
Freedman, who trains alongside brother Richard, has good depth in his young team this spring.
Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside is yet to be produced but is nearing his return in the San Domenico Stakes in two weeks.
Freedman confirmed the star colt is likely to have another barrier trial at Randwick’s Kensington track on Friday as a final tune-up.
