By Ray Hickson
Trainer Michael Freedman would like to see Empress Of Japan head to Newcastle on Wednesday and back up a confidence-boosting last start win to show she’s deserving of a shot at something bigger.
This time last year, the filly won on debut and was given her chance at group 2 level in the Percy Sykes, but had disappointed Freedman a little until she produced a big finish to win a Benchmark 66 at Goulburn two weeks ago.
Trainer Michael Freedman will send Empress Of Japan around at Newcastle on Wednesday.Credit: Getty Images
So there’s a sense she’s turned the corner and the proof will come in the Advertiser Collective Handicap (1500m).
“We’ll keep it in perspective, but it was nice to see her finish off the way she did [at Goulburn],” Freedman said.
“She’s always shown nice enough ability, she went through a bit of a flat spot through that part of the preparation.
“She went back to country grade the other day and won well, finished off strongly late.
“She’s a nice progressive filly, she’ll go there, and if she can run well, we might look at something for her a little higher in grade.”
Empress Of Japan was also nominated for the Listed Princess Stakes in Queensland this weekend, which may be something of a pointer to what Freedman might be thinking if she can win again.
While she’s drawn barrier two at Newcastle, he said there wouldn’t be a major change to the successful formula that saw her sweep home from well off the pace last time.
“I don’t think she’s the type of filly who likes to be ridden up on speed,” he said.
“Despite drawing a low gate, she probably still enjoys being given a bit of a chance early.”
Meanwhile, two-year-old Offenbach will be sporting different colours when he resumes as a gelding in the NZB Weanlings 26 June Plate (900m).
He showed Freedman some talent in his first preparation, which kicked off with a narrow defeat to Blitzburg over the same course in November, but the signs are there he’ll be better.
“Unfortunately, as a colt, despite the fact he was showing nice ability, he was focused on other things apart from being a racehorse,” he said.
“I’ve been happy with his trials, and this is a nice starting point for him.”
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