Stable News and Updates

Listen in and stay informed with Mitch Freedman and Racing Manager Alex Ross

Click on the video for the full story

Winners Circle

Fly Lie Notches Up Second Career Win September 27 Bendigo 1500m   DeAraugo & Lea Electrical BM64 Jockey: Jarrod Fry

Skybird Breaks Maiden with Style September 22 Ballarat  1200m   Porter Plant Maiden Plate Jockey: Beau Mertens

Birthday Suit Storms Home to Win September 16 Echuca  1300m   bet365 Echuca 0-58 Handicap Jockey: Rhys McLeod

2023/24 racing season is underway, thus far we have had 36 stable runners
1ST       |       7
2ND      |       4
3RD      |       4

Fly Lie Dominant at Bendigo

Fly Lie after winning the DeAraugo & Lea Electrical BM64 Handicap at Bendigo Racecourse on September 27

Lightly raced Fly Lie has been a model of consistency this preparation, adding a second career win at Bendigo when leading from pillar to post.

From just five starts this preparation Fly Lie has had a narrow second, a third and fourth (photo finish) along with his two wins. The son of Sebring has taken some time to furnish while learning his craft, the patience of Freedman and the ownership group has been rewarded and he repaid his purchase price and some.

Heading to Bendigo for one ride, Jarrod Fry put his case forward for ride of the day. Taking the initiative to lead while maintaining a good rhythm, the duo then stepped away for a comfortable  victory. Gleaming in confidence Fry explained, “When we got to the top of the straight and they left us alone, I knew he was going to be very hard to catch.”

Raced in partnership with Mr Mark Hoare’s Pacific Bloodstock and Peachester Lodge, it is very satisfying to see Fly Lie continue to build through the grades. Now heading for a spell, Freedman is very pleased with the efforts of his gelding. “I think there is plenty of physical and mental development to come, he’s done a great job this time round and we will see an improved horse again next preparation.”

Replay of Fly Lie winning the DeAraugo & Lea Electrical BM64 Handicap at Bendigo Racecourse on September 27

Get yours now!

Click here to buy from our website

Skybird Shows Winning Class on Debut

Skybird ridden by Beau Mertens wins the Porter Plant Maiden Plate at Sportsbet-Ballarat Racecourse on September 22

Stepping out under race conditions for the first time, Skybird produced an incredible performance when dominating her rivals. With a booming turn of foot to win by just under two lengths, her ears were pricked and she was eased down on the line.

Drawing a sticky barrier Freedman was delighted to see the filly travel sweetly under the guidance of in-form hoop Beau Mertens, Skybird showed a touch of class when galloping to the line. In his post-race interview Mertens explained “I knew when I let her go, she had a good turn of foot underneath me and was confident I would get the front runners.” Not only did she get to the front runners at a rate of knots, she soared clear resulting in a soft victory and arguably the run of the day.

The daughter of Exosphere was purchased from Inglis Classic in 2022 and from her first time in the stable, Freedman felt she was above average. “She’s always been a nice filly, I purchased her knowing there was plenty of improvement to come and we are looking forward to the future with her," explains Freedman.

Purchasing yearlings who are athletic movers and light on their feet who have improvement to come, is a recipe Freedman has had great success with in the past. Skybird now a spring three-year-old with some racing under her belt looks to have a very bright future ahead.

She is raced by new clients to the stable in the Scalzo family, as well as Mr Chris Bredbury the Hayden family. Freedman was thrilled to get a win for the Scalzo family, may the fruitful relationship to continue, particularly with this exciting filly. Freedman thanked the Scalzo family and is “pleased to see them have a very nice filly.”

Replay of Skybird winning the Porter Plant Maiden Plate at Sportsbet-Ballarat Racecourse on September 22

For more information phone Alex Ross | +61 447 085 802

Birthday Suit Storms Home at Echuca

Connections with Birthday Suit ridden by Rhys McLeod wins the bet365 Echuca 0-58 Handicap at Echuca Racecourse on September 16

Freedman’s honest mare Birthday Suit added a third career victory at Echuca on September 16 with a flashing run past the field.

Back to restricted 0-58 grade and with the addition of blinkers for the first time, Birthday Suit was primed for a big performance and delivered on expectations. From a wide gate, jockey Rhys McLeod elected to let the speed go and settle at the back of the field. Approaching the 600, McLeod came right around the field and flashed down the middle of the track running away for a two and a half length victory in some of the fastest closing times on the day.

Freedman knew his mare was “a class above” racing in restricted grade and it was pleasing to see her deliver the goods. She has run in the money nine out of her eighteen starts, she always gives her best while giving her loyal ownership group a thrill every time she steps out. The team are hopeful this confidence building win will hold her in good stead for the remainder of her campaign and she can continue to add to her record.

Replay of Birthday Suit winning the bet365 Echuca 0-58 Handicap at Echuca Racecourse on September 16

Owner of the Month Jason Dawe

Jason Dawe and his wife Lorey at Flemington

 Jason Dawe remembers his family and friends being punters and showing genuine interest in horse racing when he was growing up, what was a bit of a hobby has now turned into a passion for Dawe some 15 years later. "I wasn't born into racing, it was just a bit of an interest. We played a lot of sports, and it just caught on really", Dawe explains.

Over the last 10-15 years Dawe has been involved with many horses, "There was a filly by Testa Rossa that came up through a nursery friend, that was probably the first horse I brought. She was later named Huevos Rancheros, ever since then I've had shares in a heap all the way through to now". 

"Huevos Rancheros raced on Melbourne Cup Day, in the race before the Melbourne Cup. She didn't do any good, but just to be there that was pretty special".  Huevos Rancheros was a horse who set the bar high early in Dawes horse ownership journey, she was found through a work mate and one thing lead to another. 

"I've got two syndicates I manage now, one is with work mates and the other is a close mate of mine Pat Smyth who's really keen like me. Each year we buy two horses for the syndicate named Giraffe Racing, the name well that’s another story."

"I'm based in Mount Gambier and he's based in Adelaide, I came across this horse (Fly Lie) who I didn't mind and he was reasonably priced. He was out of an I Am Invincible mare, I rang Alex and he had a great rapport. We went ahead and bought a share, and the rest is history."

"Initially we were with a syndicator that we bought into three horses with. We were paying set fees every month even when they weren't racing, and we weren't having much luck. So we kind of got sick of the syndications, that's when we decided we would go direct to the trainer. For me it's just about mates and getting family and friends involved, and giving them an experience."

"Mitch was an up and coming trainer which we liked the idea of, and it was a good opportunity. It's been great, communication open and easy with Mitch and his team. They're lucky I don't live closer I'd be on their doorstep a lot more. I like that hands on trainer, you want to be able to access your horses anytime. And with the Mitch Freedman Racing team I feel like I can."

"For someone looking to join a stable, be patient and find a trainer that suits you. You don't want to go in thinking you're going to win a lot of money, it's more about having a lot of fun with mates. A win is a bonus."

"We're all in this to try and get a Saturday winner and were hopeful, Fly Lie's connections have been patient and they have been rewarded long may it continue. We're hoping in the Autumn he can lift the bar again and get to the next level, we all love carnival time and to be a part of that, that's the ultimate goal." 

Dawe offers, "Enjoy the ride, get into it with mates and have a bit of fun with it. It's good fun, it's a great hobby."

Photo highlights from the month