Michael Freedman is keen to test the waters with his impressive debutant Castillo King in the Rosebud, despite winter form not always translating to carnival success.
The Farnan colt is scheduled to compete in Saturday’s Listed sprint at Rosehill, following a notable debut performance where he secured a 3-1/4 length victory over Eviction Notice, the Silver Slipper runner-up, at Warwick Farm in July.
Freedman admits it’s challenging to accurately assess Castillo King’s standing against rivals like Canonbury Stakes winner Hidrix and the dual Group placegetter Central Europe in the Rosebud (1100m), but feels the three-year-old has earned the right to prove himself.
“That’s the plan, the Rosebud, and we’ll see where we get to from there,” Freedman said.
“It’s always difficult to line up that mid-winter form getting into the spring. But he ran good sectionals, and I think he’s a nice horse.
“It is a track and distance that plays very leaderish sometimes, which may not suit him. But he seems to be heading in the right direction, anyway.”
A field of 16 runners and three emergencies has been nominated for the Golden Rose (1400m) lead-in race. Castillo King has drawn barrier 14, with Tommy Berry confirmed as the rider.
Zac Lloyd will partner stablemate Outspan from gate 16 in the same race. However, the Godolphin colt is also entered for the Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, where he has drawn barrier three.
Freedman has expressed satisfaction with Outspan’s build-up, recalling the horse’s demonstrated ability during his initial campaign, which included a win at Rosehill in January and a Group 3 placing.
“He ran second in the Pago Pago (Stakes) and I think he’s come back in good order,” Freedman stated.
The impending return of the new-season three-year-olds may offer some comfort to Freedman’s team after the recent retirement of ATC Australian Oaks runner-up Profoundly, who suffered a leg injury during trackwork.
“She did a suspensory,” Freedman explained.
“We had a good look at her, and you could rehab her for twelve months and take your chances, but most of the owners were of the view it was better to retire to stud.
“It’s a shame to lose her.”
Profoundly concluded her racing career with 11 starts, achieving three wins, highlighted by her Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) victory at Randwick in April. Her earnings totalled just under $500,000.
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