Decorum's Group 1 aspirations after Randwick triumph
Following an impressive return to racing at Royal Randwick on Saturday, trainer Michael Freedman has indicated that the Epsom Handicap and the Golden Eagle are potential spring carnival targets for the promising horse, Decorum.
While these might seem like ambitious Group 1 aims for a four-year-old still competing in restricted grade, Decorum's commanding win in the TAB Handicap (1200m) certainly showcased a horse with considerable untapped potential.
Decorum found himself well back in the field as the runners approached the turn. However, jockey Tim Clark executed a series of astute manoeuvres to secure clear racing room in the middle of the straight, allowing the gelding to finish strongly.
"I've always felt he was a horse with a lot of ability,'' Freedman commented. "He's well-bred (by Snitzel) but he was going to get very heavy so we felt he needed gelding to bring out the best in him. "I thought he had trialled really well leading into this race but you want to see them do it on raceday and he certainly produced today. "His acceleration in the straight was very good and we might see if he can emerge as a possible lightweight chance in the Epsom or even the Golden Eagle.'"
The $4.80 favourite, Decorum, powered through the line to win by more than two lengths from Unleeshing ($15), with Off The Press ($15) securing third place a length behind the runner-up.
Clark shared that Decorum had demonstrated promising form in both of his recent trials, which instilled a quiet confidence in him heading into Saturday's event.
"I thought he was the best horse in the race and it was just a matter of getting him into the clear,'' Clark stated. "I really liked the way he let down in the straight, he wanted to be a racehorse today."
Decorum's victory marked his fourth win from just six career starts, providing Freedman with the encouragement to map out the four-year-old's spring campaign with confidence.
"I expected him to run very well, the only concern was the 1200m,'' Freedman added. "But he was able to get the job done and he should only improve as he gets out over further."
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