Freedman, Berry to the fore with stakes double at Rosehill

Rosehill punters witnessed a standout training and riding performance on Saturday as Michael Freedman and Tommy Berry combined to claim two of the card’s biggest races. Golden Slipper winner Marhoona stamped her return in the Heritage Stakes before stablemate Manaal extended her winning streak in the Golden Pendant.

Manaal, who had already secured the Sheraco Stakes first-up, confirmed her resurgence with a dominant effort over 1400m. Freedman said the mare’s autumn slump was more about circumstance than ability.

“She was in the wilderness a little bit for eight or nine months and has come back from a disappointing run at Caulfield and then to win the Sheraco and back it up here today, it’s a big thrill,” Freedman said.

“I probably sound like a broken record but she has been going so well at home for quite a long time.

“It has been really frustrating going to the races previously where we’ve been hampered with bad barriers et cetera.

“But I’ve always felt if she got the right run in a race she has still got plenty to give and you’re never really sure with these mares as they start to get a little bit older.”

The Silver Eagle or The Invitation loom as next steps for Manaal.

For Marhoona, her Listed Heritage Stakes success made her just the second Golden Slipper winner in eight years to add to her record at three. She hit the line powerfully to defeat Akaysha and Beadman.

Berry, though delighted, said there was always caution with returning Slipper winners.

“You know how well they’re going at home but I have been tricked into two-year-olds coming back from winning a Slipper three times,” Berry said.

“It’s always in the back of your mind that they’ve got to come here and do it again.”

Marhoona now heads towards the Roman Consul Stakes before targeting the prestigious Coolmore Classic at Flemington.