By Ray Hickson
There’s no sugar-coating it, Bunker Hut let trainer Michael Freedman down with his last start defeat but he hopes a subtle gear change will bring about redemption at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Punters were also left reeling as the three-year-old started a $1.70 favourite at Canterbury on May 24, he could only manage fifth after being patiently ridden by James McDonald off a wide gate but not letting down to anyone’s liking.
With a different scenario, however, Freedman is prepared to give Bunker Hut another chance in the Castelvecchio At Arrowfield Handicap (1300m).
“It was a bit of a strange one,’’ Freedman said.
“I thought James got him into a really good spot and had him there to pounce.
“I wonder whether he was having a bit of a look around, he didn’t execute the finish like we felt he should and that’s why we put the visor on.”
Bunker Hut’s last start at Canterbury on May 24
Tyler Schiller, who rode Bunker Hut ($3.20 with TAB on Sunday) to his eye-catching first-up second at Warwick Farm in mid-April, is back on board and the gelding jumps from an inside gate.
So Freedman doesn’t expect he’ll have to do as much work in search of his second career win.
“The way he trials and the way he is working at home he’s a capable horse,’’ he said.
“I was disappointed with his finish the other day so from a good draw if he can get some cover with the visor on he can run well.
“His work has been terrific and I’d be disappointed if he doesn’t run well.”
Stablemate Resistible has earned another shot at a city win in the TAB Handicap (1600m) after a confidence boosting success at Kembla Grange last month.
The filly finished close up behind Plundering in a BM68 at Kensington on May 10 then showed plenty of will in scoring at 1400m 13 days later.
“She’s been super consistent. We’re giving her a trial at the mile and I’d expect her to be able to run well,’’ he said.
“She’s a big strong girl and I’d like to see how she goes over the mile because we’re hoping she might get further than that later on.”
Keagan Latham retains the ride on Resistible at Warwick Farm.
All the entries, form and replays for Monday’s Warwick Farm meeting