FREEDMAN HOPEFUL ON EVEREST SLOT

Michael Freedman hopeful of Everest Slot

Michael Freedman is planning on giving his runner, Forbidden Love, every chance of securing a starting berth in the Everest with his 3 time Group One winner returning as early as next week in preparation.

It is most likely that Forbidden Love will return to competitive action in the Group 2 Missile Stakes over 1200m after winning a recent trial on Tuesday when defeating the likes of Count De Rupee and Expat at Randwick.

The next step after that would be to chase another Group One title in the Winx Stakes over 1400m. Should the daughter of All Too Hard put in a strong performance in either of those races she could be in line for a debut in the $15m Everest at the end of October.

So far only 4 of the 12 starting spots have been filled for the Everest and Freedman believes there’s all to play for with the remaining slots. 

“Obviously we will see how her first couple of runs go but I still wouldn't rule out the Everest if her form warranted it and she was able to get a slot,” Freedman said.

“If she came out and won the Winx Stakes, someone might take her.

“We will run in the Missile and then the Winx and keep it in the back of the mind.

“Obviously the Invitation comes up later in the spring as well.”

The $2m Invitation could be a solid fallback plan for Freedman and Forbidden Love having finished fourth in the race last year. 

Forbidden Love looks to return to the track in strong form having won back to back Group Ones in the Canterbury Stakes and George Ryder Stakes before finishing second in the Doncaster Mile and then down the field in the All Aged Stakes. 

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