Inkaruna to get shot at big payday in 2025 Thoroughbred Club Stakes

Connections of Inkaruna will roll the dice again this weekend, with the filly set to take her place in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes at Caulfield.

The Sam and Anthony Freedman-trained daughter of I Am Invincible impressed when finishing second to stablemate Point Barrow in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes at Flemington on Oaks Day, prompting the stable to press ahead rather than send her to the paddock.

This year’s edition of the Thoroughbred Club Stakes is being run with a $1 million purse as part of the new-look CF Orr Stakes program – a key motivator for giving the filly another run.

“She’s pulled up well and hasn’t had a heavy preparation,” Sam Freedman said.

“So we’re comfortable to front up again and give her the chance at some really good prizemoney.”

Inkaruna has raced three times this prep, placing in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes (1100m) before contesting the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m).

My Gladiola, who won the Cap D’Antibes and nearly caused an upset in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, leads the 24 nominations and is expected to start favourite.

Point Barrow, whose victory over Inkaruna impressed many, has been spelled, with the stable opting not to extend her campaign further.

Inkaruna’s stablemate Caffettiera is also among the entries but sits low on the ballot and will need scratching luck to gain a start.

“She jumped better with the blinkers on last start, which allowed her to settle closer, and that could help her again,” Freedman said.

While the Freedman yard has no runner in the Group 1 Orr Stakes, they may have representation in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) through Katsumi Orochi, who steps up in trip after finishing 11th in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m).

“He looks like he’s wanting a mile, so it makes sense to run,” Freedman said.

Early markets for the Orr Stakes are headed by Jimmysstar and Angel Capital.

If you're betting on the race, compare odds and bonuses via the Australian betting sites list.