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Freedman, Dunn review stable deal

Friday 3 September 2010
By Robert Windmill

Lee Freedman's arrangement with stable rider Dwayne Dunn has been varied to provide more flexibility for both parties.

Freedman said Dunn was still the number one stable jockey but he had the opportunity to take outside rides from time to time.

Notably, Dunn will ride the Pat Hyland first starter Kya instead of either of Freedman's two runners in the Voodoo Plate (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

He will also ride star Gold Coast filly Military Rose instead of Smokin' Joey (Damien Oliver) in the Group Two Danehill Stakes.

Freedman has engaged Mark Zahra (Doctor Fremantle) and Luke Nolen (Speed Gifted) in the Makybe Diva while Dunn has the mount on Danny O'Brien-trained Master O'Reilly and is on standby for emergency Fanjura, who is also Dunn's mount in the Spring In The Season (1700m).

Dunn's other Freedman rides for the day are The Ruffian in the Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes and Mont Fleuri in Group Two Let's Elope Stakes.

"Certainly we are very firm together but we are just a bit loosely arranged so he (Dunn) can take outside rides and ride a little bit of work elsewhere," Freedman said.

"It also affords me the opportunity to engage another jockey where owners want a particular rider."

Dunn said he would still be riding the Freedman horses that he thinks can win and rates Mont Fleuri a genuine chance in the Let's Elope.

"She probably lacks a bit of class but she has been racing good and race fitness should help her come right into the race," Dunn said.

"She also gets a bit of weight relief without any of the penalties some of the others have got."

Dunn said Mont Fleuri promised a lot and was still maturing.

"Being a Rubiton she wanted a bit of time," Dunn said.

"There is still some improvement in her and she will be a lot better in the autumn again."

Last spring Mont Fleuri was a close third to Irish Lights and Set For Fame in the Tranquil Star Stakes before losing form.

This campaign she has won twice including a last narrow win over Salinas at Caulfield.

"Irish Lights probably isn't running as good while she (Mont Fleuri) is running a bit better," Dunn said.

Irish Lights is $11 with TAB Sportsbet on Saturday while Mont Fleuri is $14.

Consistent mare Response heads the betting at $4.60 on her home track from Lady Lynette ($5.00) and last start Cockram Stakes winner Rhythm In Paris.