Trainer Lee Freedman has revealed that classy stayer Exospheric will be set for the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) on March 11th, when he returns to racing during the forthcoming 2017 Autumn Carnival.
Trainer Lee Freedman has underlined the Group 1 Australian Cup as Exospheric’s major autumn target. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Exospheric made his Australian racing debut during the 2016 Spring Carnival and immediately stamped himself as one to watch; running on to finish a pleasing third in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) first-up before finishing a credible eighth in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Freedman told Racing Victoria that the Beat Hollow entire has taken plenty of benefit from his time in the paddock and may be ready for a competitive return in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on February 11th, with a view towards contesting the Australian Cup 2017 as a third point of call.
“Exospheric’s been in work a little while now, he’s ready to step up his work,” Freedman said.
“He may run in the Orr Stakes in three weeks’ time.
“I’m very pleased with him, he’s settled in really well.
“Even though he grew a bit of a winter coat at the wrong time because he was a bit out of season, we’ve clipped him and he’s responded to that well. He’s not suffering in the heat.
“He’ll probably go Orr-Peter Young-Australian Cup.”
Exospheric began his racing career under the guidance of prominent British trainer Sir Michael Stoute in 2015 and immediately produced a number of standout results amongst quality company.
Resuming in 2016 for a smart win in the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes (2414m), Exospheric failed to fire when eighth in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2414m), but responded with commendable performances for third in the Group 2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes (2414m) and fifth in the Group 1 Juddmonte International Stakes (2092m).
Exospheric has posted a career total of four wins and three minors through his twelve career starts; banking $350,000 in his two appearances in Australia to date.
