Promising colt Castillo King set for Rosebud challenge

Michael Freedman is ready to test the waters with his promising debutant, Castillo King, in the Rosebud, acknowledging that winter form doesn't always guarantee carnival success.

The Farnan colt is slated to contest Saturday's Listed sprint at Rosehill, having made a significant impact on his sole start with a commanding 3-1/4 length victory over Eviction Notice, the Silver Slipper runner-up, at Warwick Farm in July.

Freedman concedes it's challenging to gauge how Castillo King will fare against established contenders like Canonbury Stakes victor Hidrix and the dual Group placegetter Central Europe in the Rosebud (1100m), but maintains the three-year-old deserves his chance to prove his mettle.

"That's the plan, the Rosebud, and we'll see where we get to from there," Freedman commented.

"It's always difficult to line up that mid-winter form getting into the spring. But he ran good sectionals, and I think he's a nice horse.

"It is a track and distance that plays very leaderish sometimes, which may not suit him. But he seems to be heading in the right direction, anyway."

The Golden Rose (1400m) lead-in has attracted a field of 16 runners plus three emergencies. Castillo King has drawn barrier 14, with Tommy Berry booked for the ride.

Meanwhile, Zac Lloyd is set to ride stablemate Outspan from gate 16 in the same race. However, the Godolphin colt is also an acceptor for the Vain Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, where he has drawn barrier three.

Freedman has been pleased with Outspan's preparation, noting the horse's previous ability shown during his initial campaign, which included a win at Rosehill in January and a Group 3 placing.

"He ran second in the Pago Pago (Stakes) and I think he's come back in good order," Freedman remarked.

The arrival of the new-season three-year-olds might offer some solace for Freedman's team following the recent retirement of ATC Australian Oaks runner-up Profoundly, who sustained a leg injury during trackwork.

"She did a suspensory," Freedman explained.

"We had a good look at her, and you could rehab her for twelve months and take your chances, but most of the owners were of the view it was better to retire to stud.

"It's a shame to lose her."

Profoundly finished her career with 11 starts, securing three victories, most notably the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in April. She amassed nearly $500,000 in prizemoney.

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