Federer, the son of Caulfield Cup winner Jameka, may not have reached the same heights as his famous dam, but he’s making quiet strides in his own right.
The four-year-old, trained by Ciaron Maher, steps out for just the fifth time in Saturday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill. A lightly raced galloper by Dundeel, Federer returned from a nine-month spell with a midfield finish over 1400m at Randwick and now rises in distance, something the stable believes will suit.
“It was his first run for a while and even though he won over 1400 at his first start, now he is a bit older you can see his breeding coming through a bit more,” said Maher’s Sydney foreman Johann Gerard-Dubord.
“Zac (Lloyd) got off him last start and said he just feels like he wants a trip now, so stepping up to 1800 with a run under his belt and drawn well, he will be a good chance.”
Federer will be joined in the race by stablemate Piggyback, a consistent mare who has been racing in solid form.
Earlier on the Rosehill card, Maher will saddle up Spywire and Berezka in the TAB Handicap (1100m). Berezka, a full sister to Nadal, has shown similar speed and will appreciate a firmer surface.
“She has got a good turn of foot. She didn’t handle the wet first-up but she ran well at Warwick Farm last time,” Gerard-Dubord said.
Spywire resumes after being gelded and comes off a summer prep that included a start in The Sunlight. He’s expected to take improvement from the run but has matured.
“He used to get very keen but he is a lot more push-button now,” Gerard-Dubord said.
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