Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes

Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.

The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1 event.

Attrition, a charge of Freedman, finished a similar margin behind Cosmic Crusader when placed third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at his most recent outing, reinforcing his strong form as he gears up for another attempt at the $2 million Group 2 Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill this coming Saturday.

"He's certainly up to that level, but he did just have a longer spell than usual and took a little bit of time to get fit," Freedman remarked regarding the campaign thus far. "We were glad to see that good progression last start and hopefully he carries it up to Sydney."

The Underwood Stakes served as Attrition's third start this preparation. He resumed with a ninth-place finish in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) before securing 11th place out of 16 runners in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m).

He finished 2-1/4 lengths adrift of Cosmic Crusader in the Underwood Stakes, a race ultimately won by Birdman.

The journey to Rosehill for the Hill Stakes has become a familiar ritual for Freedman and Attrition, who have secured placings in the top two in the past two renewals.

Having won the feature race two years ago, the Churchill colt ran second to Lindermann last year.

"He's shaping up like he's going to go there and run really well again," he said. "He's been there a couple of times, for a win and a second, so we're just hoping he can go there and run well again."

Beau Mertens was the rider when Attrition last won the Hill Stakes, while Kerrin McEvoy held the reins last year. This Saturday, Jamie Mott takes over, having partnered Attrition for the first time in the Underwood Stakes.

"I think he suits him really well and I reckon he's a good rider for him," Freedman confirmed.

Attrition was one of 14 horses entered for the Hill Stakes. His potential rivals include last year's victor Kovalica, the horse he defeated two years ago, Zambardo, Idle Flyer, and King Pedro.

The betting markets for this exciting race are sure to be competitive, with many online bookmakers offering excellent value.