Racing in career best form, the Richard and Michael Freedman-trained Forbidden Love added a third win at the highest level to her record in Saturday’s $1,000,000 Group 1 The Agency George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.
Revelling in the heavy conditions under Hugh Bowman, the 4yo daughter of All Too Hard came clear to defeat the Hallowed crown mare Colette by one and a quarter length with Laws Of Indices (IRE), an imported son of Power, a neck back in third.
The winner of the Group 1 ATC Surround Stakes and Group 1 Canterbury Guineas advances her record to eight wins, a second, and five thirds from 22 starts with earnings of $2,026,550.
“She is an absolute gem,” Michael Freedman said.
“Obviously she is relishing these soft tracks but she’s not just a wet tracker. When you get these mares in for and they can really string these runs together, it’s really satisfying as much as anything.
“We discussed before the race that there might be a bit of pressure up front, even though it didn’t look so on paper. I think there were a few there that wanted to make sure she didn’t get her own way in front.
“It probably adds another string to her bow that she can be ridden just off the speed with a view to maybe looking at a Doncaster in two-weeks time with 50 kilos on her back. It was nice to see her be able to take a sit and still have that great turn of foot.”
Forbidden Love was purchased for $150,000 by Richard Freedman from the Bhima Stud draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
A half-sister to the Melbourne winner Kuramae (Foxwedge), Forbidden Love is the second foal of the class More Than Ready (USA) mare Juliet's Princess (USA).
A 5-time winner and stakes-placed in the Listed SAJC Laelia Stakes, Juliet's Princess is out of the unraced Thunder Gulch (USA) mare Malayan Princess.
Bhima Stud offered a yearling half-brother by Epaulette at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, with Avesta Bloodstock signing the ticket for $100,000.
After missing to All Too Hard in 2020, Juliet's Princess was covered by King’s Legacy last spring.
