Freedman siblings share spotlight with Profoundly in Adrian Knox Stakes
On the opening day of The Championships at Randwick, two well-known Freedman brothers celebrated in the winner's circle after Profoundly strengthened her Australian Oaks credentials by capturing the Adrian Knox Stakes.
Michael Freedman conditions the Kembla Grange Classic third-place finisher, who is partly owned by his brother Lee, the Hall of Fame trainer who purchased her at auction, oversaw her early training, and moved to the Gold Coast as stable foreman for Michael since last July.
"I bought her when I was training for $65,000," Lee Freedman said.
"Then when I turned it up, I was looking for a good trainer, and my brother rang me.
"I was really happy that the form from Kembla worked out, because a lot of people were saying it was slowly run and it wouldn't be good form.
"But I just knew that this filly had improvement to come, and we'd never run her over a mile-and-a-quarter. All she wanted to do was stay."
Tommy Berry guided Profoundly ($5) to a strong finish, prevailing by 2-1/4 lengths over favourite Soverato ($3), while Satono Invader ($51) finished 1-1/4 lengths behind in third spot.
The Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) winner could head back to Randwick next Saturday for the Group 1 Oaks (2400m), if her midweek recovery goes smoothly, according to Michael Freedman.
"Why not? I think we'll be here next week," Michael Freedman said.
Profoundly's success carries added emotion in the famed Freedman colours: red body with purple sash, white sleeves, purple cap – silks donned by legends such as 1992 Melbourne Cup champ Subzero, 1994 Golden Slipper winner Danzero, and 2003 Caulfield Cup victor Mummify.
Berry plans to retain the ride into the Oaks, praising her recovery and efficiency.
"She is a very clean-winded filly. She pulled up lovely then," Berry said.
"She spends no petrol in the run, and she does it without any effort."
In the wake of her win, Profoundly joined the second tier of Australian Oaks betting at $4.50, with Ohope Wins, victor of a New Zealand classic, leading at $2.20.
Visit leading online bookmakers to find the best markets for Profoundly ahead of the Australian Oaks.
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