On this day last year talented Churchill (IRE) stallion Attrition defeated Antino to win the Group I MRC Toorak Handicap (1600m) and while that rival returned to Caulfield to avenge his defeat on Saturday , Mitch Freedman elected to chase the big prizemoney on offer in Sydney with happy results.
Fourth at his most recent start to Pride of Jenni in the Group II MVRC Feehan Stakes, Attrition appreciated the drop in grade to the $2million Group II ATC Hill Stakes (1900m) and produced his A game when it mattered.
With his regular partner Beau Mertens in the saddle, Attrition surged to the front with a furlong to run and then had enough in the tank to hold off a late charge from Queensland Derby winner Kovalica.
"He's doubled his prizemoney in earnings," said Mitch Freedman.
"We weren't sure whether to come here or wait until the Coongy, but I'm glad that he has ticked that box over a bit further (than the mile).”
Attrition is likely to remain in Sydney for his next target race the $2million Listed Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill on November 9 for five year-olds.
Attrition was a $180,000 Inglis Premier purchase for his trainer from the Mill Park draft and runs for a syndicate headed by Halo Racing Services in whose colours he runs and has the overall record four wins and five placings from 16 starts with prizemoney topping $2.1million
Bred by The Toorak Thoroughbred Breeding Trust, Attrition is a half-brother to stakes-winner Royal Rumble and is the best of seven winenrs from eight to race from terrific producer Queen’s Kiss, who has a yearling filly by Earthlight (IRE).
Attrition is the first stakes-winner of the new season in Australia for Churchill, who is back at Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $19,800.
