3 minute read
Trainer and jockey quotes after Groundswell wins the VRC Season Premiere Plate at Flemington on Saturday.
Race Result:
1st: Groundswell (D Lane/A & S Freedman) - $4.40
2nd: King Magnus (A Kelly/R Griffiths & M de Kock) - $2.80 fav
3rd: Red Can Man (M Lloyd/D Brideoake) - $4.40
Winning Time: 1:23.95 Last 600m: 35.43
Margins: Long Neck x Half Head
Tough!
— Racing.com (@Racing) August 7, 2021
Groundswell was perfectly rated by @LaneDamian out in front. @FreedmanRacing pic.twitter.com/AvBH9ZeQ0v
Winning Trainer: Anthony & Sam Freedman (comments from Sam)
On the win: "I was worried he was probably out of tickets the last 50m. It looked like they were rolling along for the first 600m of the race then he got him into a really good rhythm.
"He's become a very genuine horse, the jury was probably out early in his career on how genuine he was racing but credit to him, he's really digging in and the team at Flemington do a really good job with him and the spring looks bright for him now."
On his maturity: "He's two stone lighter than he was earlier in his career. He was a very good three-year-old, he ran third in a Caulfield Guineas and then his form tapered off a little bit.
"But we've found the key to him, rolling along out in front, he really enjoys that.
"Damian Lane has won on him five times now as well so they're building a really good association."
On spring plans: "There is a race at The Valley over 1500m that could possibly suit, probably right on the outer limits of his distance range, the 1400m is probably perfect for him.
"We'll work that out and try to get him to the Rupert Clarke in perfect shape."
Winning Jockey: Damian Lane
There to be beaten: "He is a tough horse. Unfortunately he's a bit one dimensional, you've got to go forward on him and get him right in the thick of things to get him competitive. He went a little bit fresh early and that was going to leave him a little bit vulnerable late but he was still too tough at the end."
How track is playing: "It's just in the soft range, somewhere between a (Good) four and a (Soft) five. The track has worn really evenly and the inside is holding up well. I don't think it is a disadvantage to be anywhere."
