Michael Freedman is in no rush to kick off the spring campaign of his Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona, with the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 6 emerging as her likely return target.
The trainer could opt to start her in the Group 2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) a fortnight earlier, but Marhoona would be forced to concede 3kg to her rivals under the race’s conditions as a Group 1 winner.
Freedman says the Furious Stakes, run at level weights, presents a far better opportunity for the talented Snitzel filly to begin her spring preparation on even terms.
Marhoona shot to prominence when she produced a stunning finish to land the Golden Slipper at just her third start, upstaging Coolmore colt Wodeton after scraping into the final field.