No spell for Realm Of Flowers as Freedman plots Cup path

Leading trainer Anthony Freedman says he will take lessons from Steel Prince’s 2019 Melbourne Cup campaign when he sets Realm Of Flowers for this year’s Cup.

The four-year-old mare, by champion racehorse So You Think, smashed her rivals in Saturday’s Andrew Ramsden Stakes which guaranteed her a ticket into Australia’s great race on the first Tuesday of November.

Mark Zahra takes Realm Of Flowers to victory in the Andrew Ramsden, securing a berth in this year’s Melbourne Cup.Credit:Getty Images

Stablemate Steel Prince won the exempt race in 2019, but was unable to bring that same form into the spring, finishing ninth in the Melbourne Cup.

But Freedman, who trains with his son Sam, says Realm Of Flowers will have a different lead-up to the 3200-metre classic.

“A mare like this, there’s not a lot of her so a spell wouldn’t do her any good,” Freedman said.

“She’s not going to go out and put on 50kg, so she’s better off staying warm and keeping her moving and just keeping her ticking.

“I’ll work it out this week but we’ll think of something for the next couple of months but she’ll start a proper prep in July.”

Ridden by Mark Zahra, the stayer never looked like getting beaten. Constantinople sent a steady tempo over the 2800m contest, but coming into the Flemington straight, Realm Of Flowers was travelling better than her rivals, and within a blink of an eye she sprinted clear to win by more than four lengths. Grand Promenade and Miami Bound rounded out the placings.

“[It’s] exciting for all the owners with a ticket into the Melbourne Cup,” Zahra said.

“She’d be a live chance. She’s a fantastic stayer and she gave me a beautiful ride today. I was a winner a long way out.”

However, Zahra joked the mare would have to win another three races before the Melbourne Cup to get up to his rideable weight.

With international involvement expected to be subdued this spring, Freedman was hopeful the progressive mare could run well in a Melbourne Cup.

“She’s put herself into the race now. Maybe it’ll be an easier race this year so a mare like her could get some nice prize money,” he said.

In Brisbane, speedy seven-year-old Eduardo claimed yet another group 1, leading from start to finish in the Doomben 10,000.

Jumping a $1.60 favourite, the in-form gelding found an easy lead and was never headed, despite a swarm of horses finishing within a length of him late.

A winner of $2 million from 20 races going into Saturday, the Jo Pride-trained sprinter added another $600,000 to his career earnings.

More to come

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