Freedman filly ready to Fly in 2025 Queensland Oaks
Richard and Will Freedman are set to saddle up a promising pair in the fillies’ feature at Eagle Farm, with Let’s Fly forcing her way into the field after a commanding win last start that convinced connections to pay the late entry for the Queensland Oaks. They’re now hoping the class of Craig Williams in the saddle can help her deliver again.
Let’s Fly turned heads with a crushing six-length victory at Randwick on a heavy surface. Although Saturday’s conditions in Brisbane are expected to be much firmer, co-trainer Will Freedman remains confident she can produce another quality run if things go her way.
“It was a little surprising to win in that fashion. We knew she was in decent form but she really elevated herself last start and we have learned the key to her is making sure she’s not too fresh,” Freedman said.
“She just needs to be able to amble across to be on-speed at her own rate. She doesn’t want to be stoked up too early and she will run well if she gets the right ride.
“She has got to be nice and relaxed and if she is relaxed, then she’s got good upper-end ability.”
Freedman admits the stable didn’t expect the runaway win at Randwick, but Let’s Fly has always shown above-average talent, having romped in her maiden by close to five lengths.
That early success earned her a spot in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) last year. While she found that assignment too much at the time, it was a testament to the high regard the stable held for her.
“We ran her in the Thousand Guineas because we had a good opinion of her,” Freedman said.
“She is going to keep maturing as a four and five-year-old but she’s in a rich vein of form right now.”
Pleasure Artist, who will also contest the Queensland Oaks (2200m), comes into the race with less impressive recent form, though Freedman believes there’s more than meets the eye. She placed at Listed level last spring and was a credible fifth in the VRC Oaks (2500m) behind Treasurethe Moment.
“Her last run was an improvement. She’s had a bit of a muddled prep and she has been a victim of bad luck,” Freedman said.
“We will ride her a bit quieter in the Oaks. Cejay Graham will ride her. She has been doing the work on her and she’s happy with her.
“She will definitely run out 2200, that’s for sure, and if you do that you beat half the field home.”
If you’re following Let’s Fly or Pleasure Artist in the Queensland Oaks, check out the top betting sites for the latest odds, racing specials, and expert tips on the feature races this weekend.
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