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In-form trainer Lee Freedman is throwing his duo of Curvature and Aotearoa in at the deep end in the $500,000 Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1400m) on Sunday, but sink or swim, he would at least know what level they are at.
Both rated on 80 points, they may be punching above their weight against the likes of Countofmontecristo (112), Elite Invincible (95) and Tannhauser (89) in a set-weight race (they all carry 57 kilos, though Aotearoa gets a 1.5 kilo allowance being a mare), but they are arguably among the most progressive horses at Kranji.
Tagged as Group horse material for a while, they had to face such a test at some stage of their racing careers, albeit with different spins.
Curvature may or may not go beyond the first Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge, depending on how he goes on Sunday while Aotearoa is a last-start winner over 1600m on Kranji Mile day and whose path goes further uphill, the Singapore Derby (1800m), the third and final Leg on July 15.
Essentially, Curvature (x Snitzel) is more of a sprinter while Aotearoa (x Sakhee’s Secret) is seen as better over more ground, even if she has not won beyond the mile thus far, but does boast a third place over 1800m.
Freedman said Curvature was meant to be his only runner in the Stewards’ Cup, but Aotearoa’s owner, nine-time Singapore champion trainer Laurie Laxon’s words carried some weight.
“It’s a bit short for Aotearoa, but Laurie wanted to run her,” said Freedman.
“She has pulled up well after her last run. We haven’t done much with her since as she is coming back in trip.
“She has been kept fresh and seems very well, but we’re looking at the second Leg and the Derby more for her.”
With last-start winning partner Daniel Moor riding Tannhauser in the Stewards’ Cup, Aotearoa will be partnered by Matthew Kellady this time around.
The second Leg of the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge is the $1 million Group 1 Charity Bowl over 1600m on June 24 followed three weeks later by the $1.15 million Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby over 1800m on July 15.
Freedman is circumspect about Curvature’s chances going that far, even if he has not completely ruled out the possibility, preferring to get a better gauge race-by-race.
“Curvature is at his fifth run this prep, which is quite a bit for a young horse,” said Freedman.
“He is more of a 1400m horse, and may get 1600m. I’m not sure if he can as he’s at the end of his prep.
“He has also drawn poorly (outermost alley in 13) and faces a bit of a task, but he’s won from there before although it was back in lower grade.”
That day, the China Horse Club-owned gelding actually scored the most impressive of his three wins in a row, rolling forward from a wide gate to steady up the ship in front before kicking clear to show his Class 3 rivals a clean pair of heels.
No doubt, he faces a sterner challenge against the best four-year-olds in town on Sunday, but Freedman has faith in is ability.
“If he fires up to expectations in the first Leg, then we will take it race by race,” said Freedman who is currently tied with Shane Baertschiger at the top on 28 winners and 26 seconds, but sits in second on a countback for third place.
“(Race rider) Craig (Grylls) rode him in a barrier trial last Thursday and he was very happy with that run (second to Lincoln Road).
“It’s a big test but we thought it’d be worthwhile having a throw at the stumps. As they say here, ‘see how’.”