OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

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After a string of placings, Guido proved the superior stayer in testing conditions at Bendigo.
The son of Jakkalberry racing career so far has been one of perseverance, his first two starts on the polytrack were below expectation, yet Freedman had confidence in the horse and his training method to improve sharply when stepping out in distance.

Freedman elected to up the workload for Guido before his third start at Echuca and with the addition of blinkers, Guido caught the eye of many punters and looked ready to peak out to the 2400m trip. Freedman said post-race “He’s had a smooth campaign, we just needed to build his fitness, get some weight off and get him out in distance. It was fantastic to get the result today.”

A tactical ride by Tahlia Hope ensured the son of Jakkalberry had every possible chance in running. “We planned to roll forward and make it hard for the favourite who had drawn wide.” Once the favourite eventually crossed to lead, Guido had the perfect run-in transit. As the pace increased at the 800m Guido never looked like getting beat, showcasing his staying talent and leaving his rivals in his wake to an eased down 5.5length victory.

It was a pleasing to get a victory for our great partners in OTI Racing and we hope to see Guido back in the winner’s circle as he rises through his grades.

Tararua was a dominant three and a half length winner on Friday, September 16 under the guidance of Jordan Childs. The pair settled just behind the leaders and found clear air entering the straight, where he was able to burst clear of his rivals.

The son of Squamosa caught the eye on debut at Camperdown, breaking his maiden by an impressive eight lengths. Freedman has had high hopes for Tararua, who returned a much more furnish product following an Autumn spell. Unfortunately this preparation has not been all smooth sailing, with some minor niggles and relentless rain forcing the team to re-plot Tararua’s return to the races.

“He was disappointing first up with excuses and then was really good second-up whilst not handling the track. As a stable, we thought he was ready to improve back onto a firmer surface and be really competitive.” Jordan Childs shared Mitch’s thoughts, stating post-race “he just did not handle the surface last time (at Bendigo) so racing on a firmer surface, he was pretty dominant.”

Back in the winner’s circle and full of confidence, Freedman feels Tararua will measure up to Friday night grade at Moonee Valley and mid-week grade in time. “It’s an exciting time of year to have a progress sprinter, with plenty of options including the 955 challenges at Moonee Valley, with great prize money on offer.”

Tararua’s victory was Freedman’s first winner of the 2022/2023 season after a frustrating run of placings. There are a number of progressive horses back at the jump outs and returning to the races within the month, in what looms as an exciting Spring for the stable.

This month we caught with Matt Fraser who has had ownership in around 60 horses across 20 years. Fraser’s grandfather was a jockey, and his father was an avid punter. Where it all started for Fraser was through a long standing customer in Bill Cochrane who visited Fraser’s butchers shop, where he was talked into horse ownership across the counter.

Fraser offered, “Once I was in, I was hooked. Even though it wasn’t a very good horse, I thought we’ll keep trying until we get a good one”.

A man who does not shy away from a challenge who was keen to dabble in many facets of racing, from driving a horse truck to a racing manager. Fraser has also tried his hand at breeding, buying as well as syndicating. Dual winner, and recent winner Tararua who won on September 16 at Ballarat under Jordan Childs was purchased by Fraser for only $5,000, with only four career starts thus far the son of Squamosa has earnt $36,000 in prize money.

Fraser also has ownership in Tararua’s full-sister, and is looking forward to what she will offer on the racetrack. As well as another exciting 2YO filly by Squamosa who trained by Mitch who recently went for a spell, we look forward to her return next preparation.

Over the years there have been a few highlights for Fraser, the one that springs to mind is a horse called A Bit Of A Dude. “He won a few Country Cups and still holds the track record for the quickest 1800 metres at Sandown. He was a great horse, we had a lot of fun with him and he paid for a few more at the time. He had a bit of bad luck along the way as you do with horses”.

“It was a good name for a racehorse, we would party up pretty hard when he won”.

The association between Fraser and Freedman began back in 2007, when Fraser had horses with Andrew Payne where Mitch Freedman was working at the time. The relationship grew from there when they ran into each other at the races or trials.

We asked Fraser for some words of encouragement for someone who was looking at getting into the thoroughbred industry, “I would say you need deep pockets, and a lot of luck”.

This month we caught with Matt Fraser who has had ownership in around 60 horses across 20 years. Fraser’s grandfather was a jockey, and his father was an avid punter. Where it all started for Fraser was through a long standing customer in Bill Cochrane who visited Fraser’s butchers shop, where he was talked into horse ownership across the counter.

Fraser offered, “Once I was in, I was hooked. Even though it wasn’t a very good horse, I thought we’ll keep trying until we get a good one”.

A man who does not shy away from a challenge who was keen to dabble in many facets of racing, from driving a horse truck to a racing manager. Fraser has also tried his hand at breeding, buying as well as syndicating. Dual winner, and recent winner Tararua who won on September 16 at Ballarat under Jordan Childs was purchased by Fraser for only $5,000, with only four career starts thus far the son of Squamosa has earnt $36,000 in prize money.

Fraser also has ownership in Tararua’s full-sister, and is looking forward to what she will offer on the racetrack. As well as another exciting 2YO filly by Squamosa who trained by Mitch who recently went for a spell, we look forward to her return next preparation.

Over the years there have been a few highlights for Fraser, the one that springs to mind is a horse called A Bit Of A Dude. “He won a few Country Cups and still holds the track record for the quickest 1800 metres at Sandown. He was a great horse, we had a lot of fun with him and he paid for a few more at the time. He had a bit of bad luck along the way as you do with horses”.

“It was a good name for a racehorse, we would party up pretty hard when he won”.

The association between Fraser and Freedman began back in 2007, when Fraser had horses with Andrew Payne where Mitch Freedman was working at the time. The relationship grew from there when they ran into each other at the races or trials.

We asked Fraser for some words of encouragement for someone who was looking at getting into the thoroughbred industry, “I would say you need deep pockets, and a lot of luck”.

involves some long days and early starts, which can take some adjustment. Allira did not shy away from the task, and has taken to her role like a duck to water. She now attends jump-outs and trials with the horses, and works almost a full week. It’s not often you see Allira off the tools, she is a quick learner who works quietly and efficiently. 

With her fantastic work ethic and kind manner, Allira is an asset to our team we look forward to what the future holds for her. This month we acknowledge her hard work and commitment to our team, Allira thank you for your hard work and dedication!