Godolphin filly Bistro has an exceptional first-up record but to date has been unable to replicate that at the second run of her preparation.
However, the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is confident she can turn that around against four opponents in the Happy Birthday John Dickson Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Bistro has raced seven times for three wins, winning twice first-up and finishing second on one occasion from three first-up appearances.
Her victory in the Listed Cinderella Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville came after a little over six weeks between runs, before she again finished out of the money in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) again in Adelaide four weeks later.
After a first-up second last campaign behind Winnertakesitall at Moonee Valley, Bistro then finished down the track in the Group 3 Quezette Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield in August and was turned out for a break, returning on January 7 to score at Sandown.
Sam Freedman is not concerned with Bistro’s lack of form second-up and believes the 1000m journey on Saturday is ideal for the filly.
“I think up in grade she did struggle a little at 1100 metres second-up last time at Caulfield when she was probably not ready for it,” Freedman said.
“But I think the 1000 metres at The Valley is probably better for her.
“She is holding her form since her first-up, run it’s a small field, she’ll be up on the speed, and she should be there at the finish.”
Freedman said the stable had been patient with Bistro following her stakes win in Adelaide but would eventually like to add more ‘black type’ to her record.
The Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m) at Sandown on February 11 has been short-listed as a possible assignment for the filly.
“We might go that way to the 1100 metres, third-up, she should be rock-hard fit,” Freedman said.
