Motiver, the lightly raced 3 year-old broke his maiden at just his third start on Friday, February 14 at Terang.
The son of Dundeel is a ball of energy around the stable and furnishing into a nice stayer in the making. He was purchased out of the Morningside Draft at Inglis Premier in 2023 and has always shown good staying ability. Freedman has been very patient with Motiver, who almost made it to the races as a late 2yearold following a number of jump outs yet instead Freedman opted for the paddock, allowing him more time to grow and develop. Returning a bigger, stronger gelding this preparation, Motiver continues to improve all the time and now looks ready to flourish stepping out over the staying distances.
The maiden at Terang was a high weight maiden, which was not ideal for a young horse like he, but following the Stony Creek meeting abandonment, the team had little choice but to race at Terang as there were no other 2000m+ maidens on the short term horizon. Motiver showcased his toughness and desire to win, lugging the 69kg against the older horses but was too strong for his rivals under the guidance of leading jockey, Will Gordon.
Post race Freedman was very pleased with the efforts of Motiver and is confident the young stayer can keep improving this preparation. “We have a bit of a plan with him to target the Galilee Series, restricted to 3 year-olds. You’re only 3 once and we know that he is going to stay, so we will give him every opportunity to race for good prizemoney in these races.”
It was a great thrill to have a number of Motiver’s owners on course, including Peter & Pam Oxlade, in what was their first winner in 30 years – how exciting! 
Congratulations to all involved.
