Two progressive gallopers by Windsor Park Stud stallion Charm Spirit will clash in Saturday’s VRC Member Helen Saffin Handicap (1400m) at Flemington when the Anthony Freedman-trained Heirborn and Phillip Stokes-prepared Sansom go head-to-head.
The recently-turned three-year-olds were both late-season juvenile winners, with Heirborn a dominant winner at Bendigo at his only start and the gelding has duly been installed a $3.80 favourite for the contest.
“Heirborn has shown above average ability but has just needed some time,” trainer Anthony Freedman said.
“The owners have been patient and they should be rewarded for that, he is only going to continue to get better with more time and racing.”
Meanwhile, Pakenham trainer Phillip Stokes is also optimistic about Sansom’s ($11) chances of making it four wins on end in Saturday’s Benchmark 70 contest.
Sansom turned heads when winning over 1300m at Sandown last start and, while he admits that there’s little to no improvement in the three-year-old, Stokes believes he will measure up well against his rivals.
“He’s really improved this preparation and he’s probably still one preparation away,” Stokes said.
“He hasn’t gone backwards from his last run but I wouldn’t say he’s improved.
“He worked really well on Tuesday, Benny Allen rode him and he was happy with the work.”
