Homesman (USA) opened his account for the Freedman stable when leading at every call in the $300,000 Group II Schweppes Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Ben Melham enjoyed an uncontested lead on the 7yo gelded son of War Front who kept Age Of Chivalry (He’s Remarkable) at bay by two lengths with a further one and a quarter length back to Kings Will Dream (IRE) (Casamento) in third.
Winner of the 2019 Group 1 Underwood stakes in 2018 and second in that years Caulfield cup, the Lloyd Williams colour-bearer advances his record to six wins, five seconds and a third from 20 starts with earnings of $2,067,139.
“He’s been an old marvel,” Melham said.
“He loves this circuit. It’s been a great team effort to get him up and winning here today.”
Brad Taylor, the stable representative for Anothony and Sam Freedman, said the Group 1 $2 million Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 7 is Homesman’s spring goal.
“It’s great to get him into winning form at his favourite track and distance,” Taylor said.
“Ben has done his last few gallops and was happy with him earlier in the week.
“He came down to us about eight or nine weeks ago from Macedon (Lodge).
“He’ll have a crack at that race (the Mackinnon) now.
Homesman (USA) is a three-quarter brother to stakes-winner US Army Ranger who placed in the Group 1 July Cup, Group 1 Prix de la Foret and the Grade 1 Inglewood Hcp at Hollywood Park.
He is one of nine winners from 11 named foals of the Red Ransom (USA) mare My Annette who is a three-quarter sister to the top-class stallion Dynaformer and a half-sister to stakes-winner White Bridle (Seattle Slew) who stood at stud in Australia.
