Moonlight Maid’s spring goals will become clear after Warrnambool Cup

Trainer Mitch Freedman is hoping Moonlight Maid will justify his bold spring plans for the Group 2 winner with a strong performance in Thursday’s Listed Warrnambool Cup.

A gallant defeat at Caulfield last start, gripping on to run fourth after sitting on speed and striking interference at the finish, has Freedman quietly confident about the mare’s late-autumn campaign.

A tilt at the Melbourne Cup golden ticket — via the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington on May 15 — remains on the cards should Moonlight Maid run well at the ‘Bool.

“The Ramsden is on the horizon, which could be an option for her, but she needs to perform,” Freedman said.

“If she doesn't, we might put her away for a few weeks and bring her back and target something like a Matriarch.”

Moonlight Maid was runner-up in the Group 1 Schweppes Oaks this time last year and performed admirably a week later in the Group 1 SA Derby, running fifth behind Russian Camelot.

Little “niggles” denied the promising daughter of Puissance De Lune a spring campaign last year, but Freedman has been kind to the four-year-old mare, giving her time to recover fully.

“We didn't really tighten the screws on her (coming back) and she did take a bit of racing to get to her top,” Freedman said.

“She’s there now and lovely and sound and prepped up for this race as good as we could have her.

“She’s in really good shape … she’s had the right preparation over the last few runs for this.”

Mitch Freedman with Moonlight Maid after her win in the 2019 Edward Manifold Stakes. Picture: Vince CaligiuriSource:AAP

Moonlight Maid, a $14 chance with TAB, drops 4kg from her run at Caulfield.

Her wide barrier should also be an advantage with the inside of the track to be avoided traditionally at Warrnambool on the final day of the May carnival.

“I would've loved to see her on really heavy ground but it’s probably going to be soft ground, I think that will suit her,” Freedman said.

“She would've been really suited on heavy ground but you never know with Warrnambool, the showers can come straight off the ocean there and you’re back in the heavy range.

“It's a hard race to win (Warrnambool Cup), plenty of dangers in it, none of them without a chance.”

Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace boast a strong hand in the Warrnambool Cup, including $3.50 favourite Heart Of Puissance.

Home By Midnight ($6), Le Don De Vie ($7) and Wentwood ($8) are the only other runners in single figures.

Originally published asMaid’s spring plans hinge on Warrnambool Cup run

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