Anthony and Sam Freedman looking to get a fresh Homesman into All-Star Mile at The Valley

Homesman will almost certainly be at the mercy of the voting public as trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman look at a possible first-up tilt at the All-Star Mile for The Valley lover.

The import has a terrific record at The Valley, winning twice and going down narrowly in three Group 2 weight-for-age races around the All-Star Mile course.

His only unplaced run at The Valley was behind Lys Gracieux in the 2019 Cox Plate.

Sam Freedman said the seven-year-old is back in work preparing for his autumn campaign. He said connections had not locked in Homesman’s program but the All-Star Mile was the priority.

“He’s good. He’s back in and going very well, he’s quite forward,” Freedman said.

“Hopefully, he gets a run in the All-Star Mile and we can look at going into it either first or second-up.

“We haven’t fully mapped out his path to it yet and he still has to get a run.

“I think he’s deserving of a run. His mile record at The Valley is second to none and he deserves a shot.”

Public voting on the All-Star Mile opened on Friday and will run until February 14. Voting will select 10 All-Star Mile runners while Racing Victoria will hand at least three wildcards to chosen contenders.

The winners of the Futurity Stakes and Blamey Stakes will also earn a spot in the field for the March 13 event.

Homesman in action winning the Group 2 Feehan Stakes at The Valley in 2019. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

Homesman is owned by a group of high-powered Melbourne businesspeople, including Lloyd Williams, music industry mogul Michael Gudinski and Rip Curl co-founder Brian Singer. But Freedman conceded bigger ownership groups have an advantage.

“There’s going to be all the syndicates with the big groups of owners that will get votes,” Freedman said.

Horse Racing: With only a few strides to go the heavily backed favorite has slammed on the brakes leaving punters heartbroken….

Horse Racing: With only a few strides to go the heavily backed favorite has slammed on the brakes leaving punters heartbroken.

“We’re just hoping that, as a Group 1 winner and a high class older horse that has been in Australia a long time and proven at the level, that he gets enough votes.”

However, Freedman added a lot can change in the weeks leading up to the All-Star Mile.

The plans for many nominations can change depending on form, fitness or interstate programming.

“So much will change in the runs leading up to it, it will be a war of attrition,” Freedman said.

“Some will fall by the wayside and others will go on with it. Hopefully, he’s one of those.”

Homesman is a $51 chance in the latest All-Star Mile betting.

Originally published asValley bully: Homesman homing in on All-Star Mile

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