The Doncaster Mile had been the prime objective for Attrition under the guidance of trainer Mitchell Freedman at the outset of his autumn campaign.
However, a setback following his first-up run in February has necessitated a shift in plans, redirecting the four-year-old to compete in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Following his disappointing performance, finishing last in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) on February 24, Attrition incurred a sprained fetlock, requiring a period of recuperation.
Freedman attributed the injury to the condition of the track that day, expressing his concerns to RSN, stating, “I think running ten races and running your good horses as race eight, nine, ten of the day is not the way to play it. I would like to see those days reduced in the number of races run.”
“The Caulfield track presented in great shape that day. It had good give in it, but after a number of horses had galloped over it, it presented a bit rough, and I think that may have been the reason he sprained a joint.
“He’s always been a very sound horse and it was unfortunate he had the issue coming out of it.”
As Attrition prepares for his upcoming race with jockey Beau Mertens aboard, Freedman outlined the tactical approach.
“We’ll be riding him to be hitting the line. We won’t be putting any pressure on him in the first furlong or two, and we just want to see him rounding it off.
“That will be a big tick going forward and then we can work out our plans going forward from there.”
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