3 minute read

Lee Freedman believes talented galloper Fanjura is due for a change of luck in Saturday's Group 3 Premiers Cup (2200m) at Doomben.

The imported galloper, although facing a winning drought of just over a year, has run some excellent races this campaign but hasn't had a lot go right.

The latest was when back to a mile in the Scone Cup where he settled back but was under lock and key for the length of the straight, finishing ninth and beaten four lengths without being extended.

“It was pretty disappointing,” Freedman said. “Hugh (Bowman) got off and apologized and said he should nearly have won the race so he basically went around and had a barrier trial at Scone.

“He ran a great race in the Blamey, drew awkwardly in the Albury Cup and really didn't get into the race until the last bit.

“Then Niwot beat him at Flemington when we sat on a very hot pace and it's gone on and won at black type level. He was then beaten a nose in the Easter Cup.

“Then of course was Scone where he was terribly unlucky so the horse is due for a change of luck.”

Fanjura has never raced over the 2200m journey, even when trained in the UK, with four of his six wins coming at the 2000m journey.

Freedman doesn't see it as a problem, though, and from the inside gate will instruct new rider Corey Brown to settle closer in the run than last start.

Fanjura is the $4.40 favourite with TAB Sportsbet ahead of Count Encosta at $5.50.

Viking Hero is at $8.00, along with The Hombre.

Freedman also has Smokin' Joey engaged in the opening race with Brown aboard.

As a two-year-old the then colt ran some top races in Brisbane at last year's carnival including a close-up fourth in the Sires Produce Stakes.

But with his form tapering right off as a three-year-old he has been spelled and returns a gelding.

He is a $7.00 chance this weekend.