Last season’s dual Cups hero, Without A Fight, remains on track for a potential return in next month’s Champions Stakes at Flemington, despite skipping a planned trial at Seymour on Monday.
Co-trainer Sam Freedman confirmed that the Melbourne Cup winner will instead trial closer to home at Mornington this Wednesday. The Mornington trial will mark the horse’s first public appearance since his memorable Melbourne Cup victory in November last year.
“He’ll trial on the course proper on Wednesday, but given it’s his first trial back, we’ll keep things easy for him,” Freedman said. “We’re planning another trial after the Cox Plate, and if everything goes smoothly, he’ll kick off his campaign on the final day, likely in the 2000-metre race.”
Without A Fight faced an uncertain future after sustaining a tendon injury just a month after his Melbourne Cup triumph. However, Freedman is optimistic about the horse’s recovery and hinted at potential international targets. “The rehab has gone to plan, and if everything aligns, we could look at the Japan Cup on November 24 or the Hong Kong Vase on December 8,” Freedman trold racing.com.
Although Without A Fight won’t be able to defend his Caulfield or Melbourne Cup titles this season, the Freedman stable remains a strong contender for both events.
Freedman revealed that Group 1 Might And Power Stakes winner Deny Knowledge is likely to back up for the Caulfield Cup this Saturday. “She came through the race well and enjoyed a paddock day today. We’ll monitor her, but at this stage, she’s set to run,” he said. “She’s settling nicely in her races and deserves this opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Point King, another key contender for the Melbourne Cup, will head directly to the big race. As an automatic entry thanks to his Archer Stakes victory, Point King will be ridden by Jamie Kah, carrying just 51kg in the Cup.