3 minute read

Robert Hickmott's stable stars Schabau and Django Freeman will head to Flemington on Saturday with the aim of catapulting their way into their target races for the spring.

Schabau will run in The Bart Cummings (Gr 3, 2500m) and needs a victory to get into the Melbourne Cup, as he is number 72 in the qualifying order.

Django Freeman lines up in the Turnbull Stakes and needs to win to force his way into the Caulfield Cup, where he is also number 72 in the qualifying order.

"They'll have their last gallop at Bendigo early this week but they're both ready to go," Hickmott said.

"Django Freeman will strip a lot fitter. He's lost ten kilos since his last run and he's got good muscle definition.

"There's a lot of positives but the query is whether he is up to this class.

"Schabau was vulnerable late but he battled away quite well. He had a good blow after the race.

"Maybe he was a bit fresh and lacked a bit of fitness which was a bit of trainer and jockey error."