The in-form stable of Michael Freedman notched another stakes success during The Championships when Panic scored a narrow victory in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Freedman sent out Manaal to win the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and Ducasse to win the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) on Day One of the Championships and was quick to claim further stakes glory on Day Two.
A three-year-old son of Time Test, Panic was always prominent throughout under jockey Tommy Berry and dug in late to stave off the challenge of favourite Razors.
“It’s been amazing. For a relatively small team to be competing at this level and getting a few winners, it’s a big thrill and a huge credit to the whole team. They’re a great bunch of staff,” Freedman said.
“I was getting a little bit anxious that last bit. Tommy made the suggestion that we put a set of winkers on him earlier in the week. He has ridden him a bit and he was a bit wayward at Wyong when he got in front the other day, so credit to Tommy with the gear change.
“I would love to eventually see this horse ridden with a bit of cover. When you see what he can do at home when he works off the back of another horse, he’s a nice sort of horse. I think there is more in store for him.”
Further stakes options beckon Panic, who has now won four of his six starts and made it back-to-back victories this preparation after winning over 1200m at Wyong.
“I will see how he pulls up,” Freedman said. “The Hawkesbury Guineas (Group 3, 1400m) in three weeks’ time is an option or maybe something in Queensland. We will just get through today and have a bit of a think.”
Winning jockey Tommy Berry said Panic had been an immature type with good ability.
“I thought he was always going to make it up to this grade, I just didn’t think it would be so early with what he has been doing at home,” Berry said.
“It’s a great training performance by the team. They have given him that win (at Wyong) to boost his confidence first-up and he has definitely gone on with it now.”
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