Freakofnature Impresses On Debut

Mark Smith - Wednesday February 15

The fifth two-year-old winner of the season for Snitzel looks to have a bright future after making a winning debut in the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp (1300m) at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday.

Freakofnature not for catching (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

The Jason Warren-trained debutant Freakofnature has race smarts that will carry him a long way.

The handsome chestnut settled beautifully just off the speed for Ethan Brown, and when asked to take a narrow gap between the tiring leaders How Dare You and Carnival Row, he did not flinch.

The son of Snitzel defeated the promising Dundeel colt Fistsoffury by a half-length, with the Zoustar filly Celestial Storm three-quarter length back in third.

Freakofnature was a $250,000 purchase for his trainer from the Westbury Stud draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Jason Warren said he bought Freakofnature without having a buyer lined up.

"I got home and realised we did not have anyone for him, and it was a long syndication process," Warren said.

" He is all sold and came here today with a bold chance. It was pleasing to see him get the job done.

"He ran second in his official trial at Geelong when a bit soft and needed it. So we gave him another one at Mornington last week, where he beat a progressive 3yo.

"That gave us the confidence to come here today. I said to Ethan that we expect him to run well. Just ride him where he is comfortable. He is a big strong colt and will take any gap.

"I think he will be three lengths better with blinkers, so there is a bit to look forward to.

'He was a little fat kid at the yearling sales. When Joe Cunningham broke him in, he trimmed up nicely.

"He is an athletic colt and very exciting.

"He holds a nomination for the Blue Diamond, but we will see how he gets through today before mapping a course. I do think he will be a lovely Sires horse."

The fat kid is now a stunning colt (image Pat Scala/Racing Photos)

A brother to Group II-placed Discharged, Freakofnature is the fourth winner from five to race for the former top-class racemare No Evidence Needed.

A $130,000 yearling No Evidence Needed was a shining light for Nathan Tinkler. The daughter of Shamardal won six and placed in seven of her 23 starts with earnings of $639,755.

She won the Group II VRC Let's Elope Stakes and Group III ATC Southern Cross Stakes, and was edged out by stablemate Small Minds in the Group 1 Schweppes Oaks and fell a neck short of Response in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Gerry Harvey purchased No Evidence Needed for $720,000 at the Patinack Dispersal in 2014.  

David Ellis shelled out $525,000 for Baramul Stud's I Am Invincible colt out of Evidence Needed at the Gold Coast in January.

After foaling a Zoustar colt in November, No Evidence Needed visited Ole Kirk. 

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Race Result - Ladbrokes Mates Mode Hcp 1300m

Sandown-Hillside Track: Good(4) Time: 1:17.28
1
Freakofnature
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x No Evidence Needed (AUS) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: Jason Warren Rdr: Ethan Brown 58
2
0.5
Fistsoffury
- 2c Dundeel (NZ) x Star Via Strada (USA) (Street Boss (USA))
Tnr: M, W & J Hawkes Rdr: D Oliver 59
3
1.3
Celestial Storm
- 2f Zoustar (AUS) x Sebring Dream (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: R Griffiths & M De Kock Rdr: Jye McNeil 55.5
4
2.2
Apulia
- 2c Fiorente (IRE) x Giannarelli (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: Ben & J D Hayes Rdr: Craig Williams 58
5
6.2
Miss Rubydoo
- 2f Rubick (AUS) x Aiden Sea (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Mitchell Leek Rdr: Patrick Moloney 54.5
6
7.2
Carnival Row
- 2c Trapeze Artist (AUS) x Further (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: T & C McEvoy Rdr: Jamie Kah 58
7
8.0
Roguery
- 2c Into Mischief (USA) x Sweet Strike (USA) (Smart Strike (CAN))
Tnr: Lloyd Kennewell Rdr: Damian Lane 58
8
9.7
How Dare You
- 2f Zoustar (AUS) x Segue (AUS) (Ad Valorem (USA))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: B Mc Dougall 55
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