Trainer Michael Freedman was still processing the stewards’ decision regarding Transcend’s disqualification when Polyglot notched a win for the stable in the subsequent race, the Proven Thoroughbreds Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Freedman was briefly taken aback when the trainer of the third-placed horse, Street Artist, approached and remarked: “We might protest.”
It was revealed that the comment was made in jest by Michael’s brother, Anthony.
Polyglot’s victory offered some compensation for the disappointment Michael Freedman was still feeling following Transcend’s demotion.
“In this business, you have to abide by the judge’s decision,” Freedman offered diplomatically when asked for his thoughts on the protest ruling that saw Transcend, the initial leader, relegated to second place behind Mind Ya Buzz.
However, Polyglot ($6), ridden by Tim Clark, managed to bring a smile back to Freedman’s face as it held off a late surge from Off The Press ($7) by a neck, with Street Artist ($3.70 favourite) a nose behind in third.
“We got into a nice spot but I had to be patient as he only has as short, sharp sprint,” Clark stated. “But he was very tough today.”
Freedman praised Clark’s tactically faultless ride on Polyglot, a former Godolphin galloper that Scott Darby of Darby Racing Syndications purchased before the start of last season.
“I recommended Darby Racing buy this horse because I thought he would be the perfect type for them,” Freedman shared. “He’s a tough, sound horse, he’s genuine and rarely runs a bad race. He’s done a great job for us so far with two wins from his last three starts and he’s very consistent.”
Earlier on the Rosehill program, Concordia Wind delivered an early double for Sydney racing’s premier trainer-jockey combination of Chris Waller and James McDonald when she took out the Schweppes Handicap (1900m).
Concordia Wind ($3.80 favourite) was afforded an ideal run by McDonald and raced clear to win by one-and-a-half lengths from Flying From Above ($18), with Leovanni ($5) finishing a close third.
“This was the right race for her today,” said Waller, who also trained Steel Will to an earlier win.
“James gave her a good ride and she has run the 1900m out well, so she should get out to 2000m at least.”
When McDonald was asked about Concordia Wind’s potential distance capabilities, the jockey made a light-hearted comment that still held a ring of truth.
“Chris could train a 1200m horse to run 2400m!” McDonald declared.
Explore the latest racing betting markets for upcoming events.