Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2025 out but Royal Ascot still a possibility
Isthmus' hopes of competing in a Group 1 event at Flemington have been put on hold due to surgery for an entrapped epiglottis. However, trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman remain optimistic about the mare’s chances of racing internationally.
Originally set to launch her autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, Isthmus had to undergo a procedure on Monday instead.
The Freedman-trained mare took part in an 800m barrier trial along the Flemington straight last Friday, securing fourth place behind Traffic Warden in a heat stacked with Lightning Stakes hopefuls.
Although the surgery ruled her out of the Lightning Stakes, the stable is still considering the Group 1 Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, followed by a possible trip to Royal Ascot in June.
“The Sangster and Royal Ascot are still a possibility,” Sam Freedman confirmed.
“She had surgery on Monday. It’s gone well and she just needs two or three weeks to come right from that and she’ll be back working along as normal.”
Freedman indicated that Isthmus could make her return in the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on March 29 as a lead-up to the Sangster Stakes four weeks later.
Isthmus is the second mare owned by Jonathan Munz under Freedman’s care to encounter a setback.
Right To Party, who finished runner-up in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, was recently retired after sustaining a career-ending injury.
“It seems to happen to the good ones, doesn’t it,” Freedman remarked.
Meanwhile, Freedman is hopeful for a successful return of Henlein, who is set to compete in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Henlein has not been seen on the track since finishing second to El Castello in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick last October.
“He’s forward enough. He’s done enough work, and he’ll love Flemington,” Freedman said.
More Racing News
Fitness test awaits Campaldino for Sydney Cup entry
Prospective Sydney Cup runner Campaldino requires clearance from a fitness assessment to join the two-mile event at Randwick, after routine vet checks detected cardiac arrhythmia.Co-trainer Adrian Bott mentioned the absence of any such concern post his second place in the Chairman's Handicap (2600m) on Saturday, with the gelding showing no...
Sadler targets Black Type with Merrigold at Caulfield
Trainer John Sadler is on track to seek crucial Black Type for the mare Merrigold during Caulfield action.Having claimed victory in a benchmark 84 event at 1400m on Caulfield's track last Saturday, Sadler has his sights on the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) set for Caulfield this Saturday.Sadler mentioned Merrigold is...
Sydney prizes beckon for Ben Brisbourne after breakthrough Group Two
Ben Brisbourne, fresh from his debut Group Two triumph, shows no signs of slowing down as he pursues more wins in the two-year-old division.From his base in Wangaratta, the trainer intends to run his minimally experienced filly Salann in Saturday's Listed Fernhill Mile (1600m) at Randwick, eyeing a potential tilt...
Sydney Cup next for Melbourne Cup-bound Whisky On The Hill
Whisky On The Hill holds a guaranteed spot in the Melbourne Cup, prompting some to consider steering clear of handicapper pressure by passing on the Sydney Cup.Trainer Glen Thompson chatted about this with the ownership syndicate, but the better decision prevailed over avoiding challenge, so the reliable stayer lines up...
Ipswich hosts Cool Music's next challenge
The holiday racing spotlight falls on Ipswich in Queensland, where trainer Bryan Dais expects Cool Music to advance and reveal the ability he envisions for her future.Carrying 60 kilos in benchmark 58, Cool Music looks set to strike as she moves down from midweek to provincial in Monday's Barrier Reef...
Tempted and Marhoona set to renew rivalry in Arrowfield Sprint
Marhoona and Tempted share a 1-1 record, but bragging rights are up for grabs as the fillies renew hostilities post last year's Golden Slipper during Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.Last-start Group 1 conquerors both, the pair will lock horns in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) next Saturday at...
Gin Twist's future rests on upcoming track gallop
Whether Gin Twist pushes ahead for one more race or takes a spell will be settled by a gallop on the track.If she impresses during Monday's track work, the Lindsay Park two-year-old filly could head to the Listed Redoute's Choice Stakes (1200m) over 1200m at Caulfield this coming Saturday.Gin Twist...
Baker and King etch Australian Derby success with Green Spaces victory
Baker fulfilled a lifelong ambition with the Derby conquest, mirroring his dad, the celebrated Kiwi handler Murray Baker, responsible for five triumphs in the prestigious Randwick showpiece.Among Australia's longest-standing major events, the Derby began in 1861 alongside the debut Melbourne Cup taken by Archer.Baker disclosed plans to enter Green Spaces...
Dominant Doncaster Mile win for Sheza Alibi
The seasoned trainer Peter Moody was not often emotional during Black Caviar's tenure, but he was visibly moved after Sheza Alibi's impressive conquest of the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.Starting from close to the tail of the 16-horse lineup, the $1.90 top pick looked to have plenty of work to...
Gelding Hughes smashes Caulfield record in Victoria Handicap
Racing moves at a rapid pace over 12 months.A year back, the gelding Hughes took out a benchmark 70 over 1400m at Caulfield soon after joining trainer Gavin Bedggood. This Saturday saw him become a Group 3 victor in the Victoria Handicap (1400m), breaking the track record in the bargain.Ridden...