Last season’s cups champion, Without A Fight, is in a “grey period” of recovery from a tendon injury. Co-trainer Anthony Freedman is pleased with the horse’s progress but has yet to decide on his spring target, with a clearer decision expected in a month.
Freedman hinted that if Without A Fight isn’t ready for the 3200-meter Melbourne Cup, the Cox Plate might be his major spring goal. “In a month we will know exactly where we are at,” Freedman told racing.com.
Without A Fight recently returned to Freedman’s stables and will do treadmill work over the next few weeks, with weekly assessments. “As long as we’re happy, we’ll step it up,” Freedman added.
Stablemate Royal Champion, yet to debut in Australia, is progressing well after an issue in Queensland. Freedman expects him to return to racing well into September. “He’s coming along really nicely,” Freedman said.
The future plans for both horses remain flexible, depending on their recovery and form.
