Trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry enjoyed a memorable afternoon at Rosehill, combining to snare a feature race double headlined by Marhoona’s win in the Heritage Stakes and Manaal’s victory in the Golden Pendant.
Manaal ($3.70) backed up her triumph in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) a fortnight earlier with another decisive performance, taking out the 1400m contest and reaffirming Freedman’s belief that her autumn failures came down to poor barriers and misfortune.
“She was in the wilderness a little bit for eight or nine months and has come back from a disappointing run at Caulfield and then to win the Sheraco and back it up here today, it’s a big thrill,” Freedman said.
“I probably sound like a broken record but she has been going so well at home for quite a long time.
“It has been really frustrating going to the races previously where we’ve been hampered with bad barriers et cetera.
“But I’ve always felt if she got the right run in a race she has still got plenty to give and you’re never really sure with these mares as they start to get a little bit older.”
Freedman indicated both the Silver Eagle (1300m) and The Invitation (1400m) are in play for Manaal’s next start.
Earlier in the day, Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona ($3 fav) became the first Slipper winner since Fireburn in 2022 to win again as a three-year-old, capturing the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m).
Berry admitted there was some trepidation beforehand given his experience with previous Golden Slipper winners.
“You know how well they’re going at home but I have been tricked into two-year-olds coming back from winning a Slipper three times,” Berry said.
“It’s always in the back of your mind that they’ve got to come here and do it again.”
Marhoona proved up to the challenge, finishing strongly to deny Akaysha ($4.60) and Beadman ($3.10). She now looks headed to the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) before a tilt at the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1200m).
“The plan was to come back here for the Roman Consul and then three weeks’ into the Coolmore with a trial up the straight beforehand,” Freedman said.
