Freedman wary ahead of smart sprinter’s return

Trainer Michael Freedman would normally head to the races supremely confident in the first-up credentials of Time To Boogie, but admits he is a little wary as the sprinter prepares to return from an extended layoff at Rosehill.

The five-year-old has been off the scene since January due to a combination of illness and surgery but has pleased the stable with his two trials in preparation for Saturday’s Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1100m).

“He got a little bit crook earlier in the year and had some time off, then he came back and needed to have a wind operation,” Freedman said.

“He went back out and had that, so he’s had most of this year off. It will be nice to get him back racing.”

Time To Boogie has drawn awkwardly in barrier 11 but he is a noted fresh performer with two wins and as many seconds from four first-up runs.

However, despite that record, Freedman admits to being cautious given the gelding hasn’t raced for almost 12 months.

“You can only do so much at home and in trials. There is nothing like getting race fitness into them,” Freedman said.

“He is forward enough to run a good race but I’m sure he will take benefit from it just the same.

“He’s a good, genuine racehorse and when he’s on his game he is a pretty handy horse.”

Yiska will also represent Freedman in the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1300m) chasing his third win since joining the stable earlier this year.

A backmarker, Yiska resumed with a strong win at Canterbury and the trainer feels his record of five victories from 13 starts could read even better with even luck.

“He was a bit stiff on a couple of occasions last prep,” he said.

“His form has been pretty good when he’s got the right conditions to suit. It was a good effort first-up at Canterbury and he has come on well from it. He’s a nice horse on his day.”