Freedman import Cognac can bounce back at Eagle Farm

Will Freedman says Cognac can continue the stable’s great run in Queensland on Saturday. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

The father and son duo of Richard and Will Freedman are looking to land Queensland's ultimate race at Eagle Farm later this year, but first they will look to continue their searing Sunshine State record on Saturday.

With the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in their sights for Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Fashion Legend, the Freedmans are daring to dream.

While Cognac will never reach the lofty Group 1 heights that Fashion Legend will, Will Freedman said he is the perfect horse to continue their hot streak in Queensland.

The European import has mixed his form in Australia, and is "closer to the end than the start" of his career, but could well have found his race in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1600m) on Saturday.

Of the duo's four feature race victories, three have come in Queensland, making Brisbane a happy hunting ground.

Admitting they got it wrong for his first-up tilt at Warwick Farm earlier this month, Freedman said punters can expect a different horse this time around.

"He will be a lot better this prep, he was a bit soft first-up, it was a bit of a trainer error and then he had a tough run with no cover," he said.

Richard and Will Freedman will target the $3m Stradbroke Handicap with Fashion Legend. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

"He will be a lot better on Saturday, a lot better – he trialled up OK this time but he has stripped a lot fitter.

"He likes Eagle Farm and will sit on pace, probably lead, and make it a catch me if you can sort of thing.

"He has some form, it is the right race for him – he is $7.50 in the market but you probably couldn't be much shorter than that going off his first-up performance.

"The race probably isn't the strongest of all time, but he will be better here."

Will Freedman is also looking to land his first Group 1 on Saturday in the Vinery Stud Stakes with Pavitra, who is the second favourite behind Kiwi sensation Prowess.

The young trainer admits it will be hard to knock off the more fancied rival but is confident his filly has a Group 1 in her.

"We're not worried about whether or not she has got it in her, there is a big race in her at some point," he said.

"This New Zealand horse looks very hard to beat."

Meanwhile, Freedman revealed Fashion Legend will likely kick-off his winter campaign on May 6 in the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas (held at the Sunshine Coast), before going on to the Group 3 Fred Best Classic in the hope of securing a spot in the Stradbroke Handicap.