Anthony and Sam Freedman are taking a measured approach as they establish their new Sydney stable, focusing on quality over quantity while aiming to make an impact at Randwick on Saturday.
“We don’t have a big appetite to expand beyond the 24 boxes we have now,” Sam Freedman told Sky Sports Radio.
“Anthony was keen to move to Sydney and work with a smaller team, ensuring each horse gets the attention to detail it needs.
“It’s one thing to have a satellite stable, but having the trainer on-site makes a real difference.”
Among their key runners this weekend is debutant Neilsen Park, a $650,000 purchase from the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, who lines up in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes (1200m). The Zoustar colt has impressed in his early development.
“We’ve always had a good opinion of him,” Freedman said.
“He trialled down the Flemington straight a few weeks ago with blinkers on but was still very raw and got caught wide.
“His first jump-out at Balnarring was solid, and his last Sydney trial has been his best so far, but he’s still learning.”
Neilsen Park is rated a $34 chance with betting sites, while the unbeaten Shaggy is the $2.20 favourite.
The Freedmans also have two fillies contesting the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes.
Inkaruna won on debut at Sandown in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) on February 1, while Price Tag remains a maiden despite competing in black-type races across Melbourne and Sydney.
“Both fillies have had solid preps,” Freedman said.
“Inkaruna had a tick-over trial last week. She’s straightforward and the form has held up—Tentyris, who finished behind her at Sandown, ran second in the Blue Diamond.
“It’s a step up in grade, but she should run well. Price Tag was exposed for much of her last start, racing three and four wide, yet still fought on late.”
The Sweet Embrace Stakes is shaping as a key lead-up to the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) on March 22, with Inglis Millennium (1100m) quinella Rivellino and Within The Law, as well as Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) winner Bellazaine, set to contest the race.