Consistent rain has made the Sunshine Coast track a tricky proposition for trainers, jockeys and punters alike and the hopes of the surface being given the opportunity of a few days to dry out were dashed overnight on Friday with further rain hitting the area.
A track rated Heavy 10, however, should not concern the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Punch Lane who has an otherwise unexpected opportunity to notch a black-type victory in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1400m) on Sunday.
Well-back through Saturday, support has come for five-year-old by So You Think having firmed from $4.60 into $3 with betting apps.
“Punch Lane has had a great week,” Sam said.
“He bounced out of that run well and has a nice barrier plus drops in weight from last week so we’re expecting a good run from him.”
Punch Lane notched his fifth win at his 11th start last Saturday in benchmark 75 company over the same rain affected course and distance
“He’s been gradually building fitness, but we still weren’t sure how he would go on the really heavy ground here today,” Sam said post-race.
“Credit to the team up here, he looked terrific today and he’s developing into a nice horse.”
Having ticked the wet track box, Punch Lane heads the Freedmans’ chances along with Warning who could be having his farewell run in the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m).
“In all likelihood this will be his last run,” he said of the 2019 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner.
“He’s been a great horse and hopefully he goes out on a high.”
The stable will also unveil a new acquisition for the Melbourne Cup’s most successful owner, Lloyd Williams as Irish import St Vincents Garden lines up in the Wimmers Premium Soft Drinks Benchmark 70 Handicap over1800-metres as the $4.80 favourite.
A maiden winner at Fairyhouse in June 2023, St Vincents Garden’s next best result was a third placing behind one-time Melbourne Cup aspirant Harbour Winds – trained by Dermot Weld – at listed level in Ireland over 2800-metres last August.
Freedman says that the stable is still learning about the four-year-old gelding.