Horse Racing News Update: Last Season’s Cups Champion Faces Uncertain Spring Campaign
In the world of horse racing, all eyes are on last season’s cups champion, Without A Fight, as the talented stayer battles through a challenging “grey period” of recovery from a tendon injury. Co-trainer Anthony Freedman, speaking to racing.com, has provided an update on the horse’s progress and the cautious approach being taken to map out his spring campaign.
Freedman expressed satisfaction with Without A Fight’s recovery so far, but emphasized that a decision on the horse’s major spring target has yet to be made. “In a month we will know exactly where we are at,” the co-trainer revealed, hinting that if the horse is not ready for the prestigious 3200-meter Melbourne Cup, the Cox Plate might become the primary focus.
The recovery process for Without A Fight involves a return to Freedman’s stables, where the horse will undergo treadmill work over the next few weeks, with weekly assessments to monitor progress. “As long as we’re happy, we’ll step it up,” Freedman said, underscoring the cautious and methodical approach being taken to ensure the champion’s full recovery.
Freedman’s stable also houses another promising prospect, Royal Champion, who is making good progress after an issue in Queensland. The co-trainer expects the horse to make a return to racing well into September, stating that “he’s coming along really nicely.”
The future plans for both Without A Fight and Royal Champion remain flexible, as the trainers continue to closely monitor their horses’ recovery and form. Fans of the sport will eagerly await further updates on these talented racehorses as the spring racing season approaches.
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