Heavenly Way broke her maiden at Ararat on March 4 in what will be one of Freedman’s more memorable maiden wins for the season.
Heavenly Way arrived to the stable almost twelve months ago for a ‘change of scenery’ to Ballarat, in what is a more relaxed, suitable training environment for a highly strung filly. Heavenly Way is a fantastic physical specimen and can gallop, but has a few tricks and challenges, particularly with the barriers.
Requiring reinstatement, Heavenly Way had two jump outs in her first preparation and with a large focus on the barriers and her education, was showing signs that she was looking for a spell. Returning for her second preparation in the stable in the Spring, Heavenly Way come on leaps and bounds both physically and mentally, showing great improvement on the track and whilst she is still not A1 in the gates, she is manageable and the team have done a fantastic job.
In her first three starts, Heavenly Way hasn’t had things all go to plan and can get fierce in her racing when she is not in her own rhythm, overdoing it in the middle sections and therefore not finishing off as well as she can. Reviewing her preparation to date, Freedman decided it’s time to “let fast horses be fast” and she was able to showcase her gate speed and dominate from the lead, running away to a comfortable 2.25length victory.
A delighted Freedman said post-race “We’ve worked hard with her, there’s a lot of people to thank along the way, especially the barrier boys, who have done a power of work in managing her.” “It’s really pleasing to have a winner for Mr James Bester, Mr Michael Kirwin and their team of owners with their first horse in the stable.”
Congratulations to the connections of Heavenly Way and we look forward to seeing her back at the races on Wednesday March 12!
