Anthony Freedman’s Realm of Flowers is taking the scenic route to the upcoming Group 2 SA Fillies Classic – via Murray Bridge tomorrow.
Following two excellent SA runs, Realm of Flowers was an emergency for last weekend’s Schweppes Oaks – taken out by Toffee Tongue – but failed to gain a start.
The three-year-old Victorian filly will instead run in a benchmark 60 event (race 6) at Gifford Hill over 2000m against older horses – carrying 60kg and drawn barrier 14.
The promising stayer has enjoyed little luck in both local runs, finishing third in the Listed Laelia over 1600m at Morphettville on April 4, then a fast-finishing sixth to Silent Sovereign in the Group 3 Schweppervescence Stakes (Auraria), after coming from near last on the turn.
Freedman says Realm of Flowers needs tomorrow’s run heading towards the 2500m journey of the TAB Fillies Classic on the final day of the carnival on May 16.
“We obviously missed out on getting a run in the Oaks and opted to go here, and it should top her off,” he said.
“She’s done well over there, both runs have been solid. But she has a lot of weight tomorrow and is taking on older horses, so it won’t be easy.
“She’s drawn wide, so she’ll have to go back again and keep building into the race.”
Freedman clearly rates Realm of Flowers and believes she would have been competitive in Group 1 company last Saturday.
“It’s very difficult to say – the winner obviously had a charmed run and would’ve been hard to beat,” he said.
“But she probably would’ve finished off strongly and put herself somewhere into the first four or five I would suspect.
“The 2500m (of the Fillies Classic) should suit her and a bit of rain would also help. So, if she gets softer ground that’ll bring her right into it.”
Meanwhile Freedman says he will hold off on a decision about whether champion sprinter Santa Ana Lane will return to try to win his second Goodwood on May 16.
“It’s looking likely, but just want to get through this week, see how he works…” he said.
The stable is in a similar situation with three-year-old filly Lyre, who went close to landing a Group 1 at Morphettville last Saturday, just failing to overhaul Sangster Stakes winner Bella Vella.
Freedman will play a major hand in the SA Derby this weekend with 2019 VRC Derby winner Warning, who finished a strong third behind main rival Dalasan in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes over 2035m at Morphettville recently.
“Warning’s done well,” Freedman said. “He came home after his last run and he’s had a good 10 days at home.
“I’m happy with him, he’s drawn nicely (in barrier three) so he’s obviously one of probably three chances. It’s a good race this year.”
