Connections of Freshman are set to receive an immediate assessment of the three-year-old’s capabilities when he makes his debut in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.
Trainer Bryce Heys, usually measured in his horse placements, has been drawn to the small field of eight, combined with the natural talent and progression his charge has exhibited at home.
While acknowledging the considerable task Freshman faces in competing in a Listed race on debut, Heys anticipates the colt will hold his own.
“The reason we’ve always liked him is the way he works,” Heys said. “When you teach him something, he’s always wanted to come to the party. It’s obviously a big ask on Saturday, but he’s in great order and he’s a lovely horse.”
The colt, by Wild Ruler, was bred in New Zealand and purchased for $380,000 from the 2025 Karaka sale. He underwent two trials in preparation for Saturday’s Heritage Stakes (1100m), winning his most recent hit-out, although he did tug for rein early. Heys attributed this to a lack of pace in the heat, rather than any indication of bad manners.
“They went very slow in that last trial. It wasn’t a true reflection,” Heys commented. “He will come back off the bridle. He has always been a touch immature, but he’s always had a sharp level of ability and just physically gotten stronger each time he’s been in work.”
Heys also has the lightly-raced Banjora entered in the TAB Handicap (1100m), but a decision on whether the gelding resumes from an awkward draw will be made on race morning.
Having won his first three starts, the five-year-old then placed in the Gosford heat of the Provincial-Midway Championships (1200m) before finishing fourth to Lord Of Biscay in the Wildcard (1400m). Lord Of Biscay subsequently claimed the Final.
“I’m not in a hurry to get him started. He’s obviously drawn a bit tricky,” Heys stated. “It’s just the fact he’s first-up and starting first-up quite higher in grade than he has previously, so I’m mindful of that, despite his ability. We’ve got him in there as if we’re going to run, but I haven’t committed to that yet.”
Heys described Banjora as a robust gelding who would benefit from racing, and added that he has had an uninterrupted build-up. “We love the horse, but I don’t have a grand plan for him,” he said. “I just feel he needs a little bit of racing. He may get himself somewhere this time around, but I just want him to have a good ‘prep’ where he sets himself up for a really nice autumn.”
Aaron Bullock is booked to partner both of Heys’ runners.
The Heritage Stakes is a key race for the three-year-olds, and punters are checking the racing odds at various bookmakers.
