Freedman stable weighing up options for Insurrection

DSC_0396INSURRECTION,Z_8_KG_25112023__C023

The Bob Charley AO Stakes at Randwick shapes as a potential target for smart sprinter Insurrection.

Stakes assignments in Sydney and Brisbane will be considered for Insurrection as trainer Michael Freedman plots another black-type raid with the consistent campaigner.

The winner of the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m) in January, Insurrection lumped topweight of 60kg when beaten less than two lengths by Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara hopeful Opal Ridge first-up in the Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone.

Freedman’s assistant Sophie Johnson said the gelding had taken improvement from that run and connections were considering either next Saturday’s Listed Bob Charley AO Stakes (1100m) at Randwick or the Group 2 Moreton Bay Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm for his next start.

Which way they go will hinge on several factors, including the make-up of the fields in both places and how much weight he gets.

“Insurrection will be dual nominated for the Bob Charley and Queensland as well,” Johnson said.

“He always puts in one hundred and ten per cent, he’s a trier, but unfortunately the weight got the better of him first up. That’s the negative side of being a higher rated horse.

“But Zac (Lloyd) gets on with him so well we don’t want to put anybody else on. Zac will ride him if he goes to Queensland as well.”

The four-year-old has been a great money-spinner for the stable, winning seven of his 21 starts and almost $750,000 in prizemoney.

He has also proven adept on all types of surfaces and with clear skies forecast for Brisbane and more rain on the radar for Sydney, track conditions won’t be a concern either way.

“He’s pretty versatile,” Johnson said.

“He ran on a super wet track when he won The Warra at Kembla so he can handle it really well. Something in the middle would probably be nice.”

Freedman tasted success at Rosehill on Saturday when Yiska posted a comprehensive victory in the Midway Handicap (1500m) to open the meeting before it was washed out after the fifth event.