First Command will head to the Rubiton Stakes and could have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate after a solid win in today’s listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Positioned off the hot speed for much of the race, First Command quickened nicely when asked by Steven Arnold to hit the front and then held out his rivals for a strong win.
The win was the fourth in stakes class for the classy Commands gelding who is now prepared by Anthony Freedman.
First Command was previously trained by Anthony’s Hall of Fame brother Lee – the man who purchased the outstanding sprinter for $170,000 from the 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
With 10 wins and six minor placings on his record from just 24 runs, First Command has earned over $736,000.
“We won’t go over the tip with him,” Freedman said.
“1200 metres might stop him now, so 1000 metres to 1100 metres, we’ll tick along around there and he’ll keep winning hopefully.”
“The 1000 metres today was perfect, 1100 will be perfect but the Newmarket (over 1200 metres) will be pretty hard for him now having had a wind op.”
“I’m keen on putting them where they can win – not getting ahead of myself.”
“There are some other nice races around – I will just look at those races off the top – perhaps the Rubiton Stakes next for him,” Freedman added.
A son of leading Darley sire Commands, First Command is one of two group winners produced by his dam, the Hurricane Sky mare River Serenade.
A winner over 1000 metres and full sister to the Group One winner River Dove, River Serenade is also the dam of the star Hong Kong sprinter One World – a winner of eight races and over A$2.26 million.
Winner: First Command
Breeding: Commands-River Serenade (Hurricane Sky)
Race: VRC Kensington Stakes LR (1000m)
Sold for: $170,000
Sale: 2007 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Baramul Stud
Buyer: Lee Freedman
Earnings: $736,690
Owner(s): J Fowler, R Pasquali, A Santos, L Macri, Monterey Stud Synd (Mgrs: M & J Brown), S Powell, M & Mrs R Lang & J & Mrs L King
Trainer: Anthony Freedman (Mornington)
