Trainer Lee Freedman is thrilled with the condition of Java despite a lacklustre performance last start, and is confident the conditions of Saturday’s Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1300m) at Sandown will play directly into the four-year-old’s strengths.
Lee Freedman is pleased with Sandown specialist Java ahead of Saturday’s Kevin Heffernan Stakes. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell
Java has only finished outside the first three a handful of times since first appearing on course halfway through 2014; posting an impressive four wins and two minors through only ten competitive starts.
Returning this time for a credible third in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) on September 19th, the Medaglia D’Oro gelding was unable to maintain an early lead in the Listed Village Stakes (1200m) last time and faded for a disappointing eighth.
Citing his undefeated record at Sandown and the work he has completed through the last fortnight, Freedman told RSN he is confident the 2015 Kevin Heffernan Stakes figures as an ideal race for Java third-up on Saturday.
“He worked along nicely this morning,” Freedman said.
“Java is unbeaten at Sandown and has won a Group 3 there, so it looks a nice race for him there.”
Returning to racing in December last year for success in the Willowmeade Maiden (1100m), Java continued to impress in posting easy wins in the Point On Nepean Restaurant BM64 (1200m) and Heading Out Hair & Beauty BM64 (1400m) at Sandown on January 7th.
Making a successful transition to black type racing in beating the likes of Petrology and Berisha to the line in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1300m) on January 26th, Java arguably produced a career-best performance to date to finish fourth amongst open company in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) before ending his season third in the Listed Bendigo Guineas (1400m).
Included amongst a talented group of 23 nominations on Monday, Java is expected to be confirmed in a capacity Kevin Heffernan Stakes field of sixteen by midday, Wednesday.
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