Frater on board as Freud targets Hillston Cup

Michael Travers will set the in-form Freud for Saturday’s 1700m Hillston Cup.
The recent Ardlethan Picnic Cup winner and Tullibigeal Picnic Cup runner-up is racing in great form and runs into a small five-horse field at Hillston, which will suit the noted backmarker.
Travers believes it will now be a matter of the 5YO So You Think gelding handling the dirt racecourse for in-form jockey, Carly Frater.
“He’s going alright; he’s had a lot of racing, so he doesn’t need a lot of work,” Travers said.
“He’s racing well, and the distance won’t be a problem, but with his style of racing, and with him getting back, he might get some kick back, but that is Carly’s problem now.”
Frater has been making the most of her opportunities in recent months, kicking off a winning affiliation with 2026 Holbrook and Carrathool Cup winner, Astunner, for Wagga trainer, Darrell Burnet, while landing TAB winners at Albury and Wagga.
“I’ve ridden with Carly enough, and I know she can get the job done,” Travers said.
“She is at the track every day, putting in the hard yards, and she deserves the opportunity.”
On a path to the Cootamundra Picnic Cup later this month, and a possible tilt at the $50,000 Picnic Champion Series Final at Dubbo later this year, Travers is hoping Freud can continue to perform on the non-TAB and picnic circuit.
“He needed the run, and that’s why he’ll go to Hillston; Cootamundra is our next target, and hopefully after that he has enough points because that (the final) is what he is being aimed for now,” Travers said.
Travers and his Wagga stable are in for a big weekend of racing, with three runners at Hillston on Saturday and six runners at Gundagai on Sunday.
The best of the stable’s chances appears to be the in-form Seasmoke, which is being set for next Sunday's Queen Of The South Prelude BM58 (1300m) or Wagga Guineas Prelude 5M 66 (1400m) at Wagga's Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
On Sunday, the 3YO Dracarys filly has Blaike McDougall in the saddle when contesting the 1400m Class Two Handicap, alongside stablemates Brooklyn Dash (Cory Parish) and Teresprit (Rebecca Bronett Prag)
“Seasmoke looks our best chance,” Travers said.
“She is going well, and we are gearing her up for a race over the Wagga carnival.”
Words/Image: Jeff Hanson
