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Freedman camp confident of another Doomben Cup win

18 May 2018

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Anthony Freedman is hoping his love affair with the Brisbane winter carnival will continue with Japanese import Ambitious in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben Cup.

Freedman claimed his first Group 1 in his own right when Mawingo won the Doomben Cup in 2012 before training the 2016 Doomben Cup winner Our Ivanhowe in partnership with brother, Lee.

Freedman was part of the Freedman Brothers Incorporated, commonly known as the FBI, with brothers Lee, Richard and Michael and were much feared on Australian racetracks in their halcyon days in the 90’s and 2000’s.

The FBI trained more than 130 Group 1 winners, including five Melbourne Cups before splitting to go their own way in racing.

The Freedman’s never sent big teams to Brisbane for the winter but it was a happy hunting ground with big race wins from the likes of Mahogany, Durbridge, Bush Padre, Danasinga and Miss Danehill to name a few.

Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner Doriemus also launched his career in Brisbane.

Ambitious is making his Brisbane debut and will be ridden by Melbourne jockey Craig Williams in the Doomben Cup.

The Japanese raider made his Australian debut finishing ninth in the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington in March before a much improved second when taken to Sydney for the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Randwick.

The six-year-old then disappointed when beating two home behind champion mare Winx in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 14.

Freedman’s son Sam is looking after Ambitious in Brisbane and has warned punters to ignore Ambitious’ Queen Elizabeth run.

“He’d done everything right since he’s been in Queensland and I couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“He’s got no vices, and intellectually, he’s a great horse to deal with.

“You have to forget his run in the Queen Elizabeth as he pulled three shoes.

“His action in the straight was very different to the Tancred because he lost both front shoes and one hind shoe.”

Freedman said Ambitious had fully recovered and his feet were no longer an issue.

“He’s had a long preparation but he’s freshened up nicely for tomorrow,” he said.

“His form was world class before he came here and he’s showing the ability here that he could be getting back to that form.”

In latest UBET markets, Ambitious remains a $4.20 equal favourite with Hollindale Stakes winner Orgeon's Day.

Racing Queensland webnews    May 18