3 minute read
Sam Freedman says Open Minded could step to stakes company after emphatic win continues perfect track record.
Five-year-old gelding Open Minded is back to consecutive winning form after taking out the Cameron Rose Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.
A large and vocal ownership group and co-trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman will now be hoping that it can emulate the winning run of four races achieved through the early part of 2021.
Beginning at Caulfield last January, Open Minded ($5) then strung together wins at Sale, Moonee Valley and again at Caulfield and all over shorter distances.
However in 2022, the stakes could be raised after winning this Benchmark 84 event.
"His rating has been creeping up and he's one of those horses that is very consistent," Sam Freedman said.
"And he's a dream for owners.
"The 1400 was what we wanted to try this preparation because his rating has just crept up that little bit and the sprinters are a little bit too sharp for him.
"He's ticked that box today and he's got a great record at Caulfield."
Open Minded's win took his Caulfield record to four wins in as many starts at the course and he is likely to be back again on 26 January in Listed company over 1400 metres.
"The John Dillon Stakes on Australia Day is a possibility - his rating is going to go up and he's probably won by too far so we'll have to raise the bar again," Freedman said.
"He's earned his rating, he just keeps winning."
Open Minded won by three-lengths over Score ($12) with Polanco ($21) a long-head away in third.
This win notched a double for the Freedman stable and also for three-kilo claiming apprentice jockey Alana Kelly.
Open Minded... wow wee!
— Racing.com (@Racing) January 8, 2022
Alana Kelly also picks up a winning double.@FreedmanRacing @livethedreamnow pic.twitter.com/RvsnLBv4yr
