ANTHONY Freedman’s stable stars Santa Ana Lane and Shoals stepped out in a handy jumpout at Balnarring on Wednesday 27 February.
The talented pair, who have recorded seven Group 1 victories and just shy of $6 million between them, finished first and second in the second heat of the morning and look right on track for their return to the races.
Santa Ana Lane was allowed to find his feet at the back of the small field before working home powerfully to finish two lengths off his stablemate Shoals, who led from start to finish, in the 1000-metre gallop.
Pinecliff-based assistant trainer and Anthony’s son, Sam Freedman, said Santa Ana Lane will be prepared for the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on Saturday 2 March before heading to Sydney for the $2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) during The Championships.
Group 1 options in Hong Kong and the UK remain on the radar later in the season.
“He and Shoals were in the same heat this morning,” Freedman said.
“{Shoals} won it and he finished second, beaten about a length.
“We wanted to give him a pretty solid hit-out and we were very pleased with his effort.
“The Newmarket looks a nice option for him first-up. We wouldn’t be going there expecting him to win but he can definitely run well and what we’ve seen previously with him is that he improves into his campaign.”
Freedman said Shoals had overcome a minor setback that had forced her scratching from the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday 23 February.
Connections are now considering first-up options in Melbourne and Sydney over the coming fortnight.
“She’s over the little issue she had last week and she’s ready to go to the races now,” Freedman said.
“She’ll potentially head to the Newmarket as well, or maybe the Canterbury Stakes in Sydney.
“She’s had the three jumpouts now so whether it’s 1200m or 1300m first-up, she should have the grounding to run very well.”